The Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals guarantee at least one Major League Soccer club in the final. Inter Miami travels to face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg. This matchup features two of MLS`s top teams, vying for a spot against either Tigres or Cruz Azul. While Miami often relies on its star power, notably Lionel Messi, contributions from other players have been crucial for securing wins even when the team isn`t performing optimally.
Vancouver faces this match without a key player, Ryan Gauld, due to injury. However, forward Brian White has been in exceptional form, scoring consistently for the Whitecaps. His performance, including nine goals across all competitions, has drawn attention from the United States men`s national team. Under new manager Jesper Sorensen, Vancouver has shown adaptability and success, though this match presents their most significant challenge to date.
Here is a preview of the match, including details on how to watch:
Match Information
- Date: Thursday, April 24
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- Location: BC Place — Vancouver, British Columbia
- TV: FS1 | Live stream: Fubo
- Odds: Vancouver Whitecaps +109; Draw +220. Inter Miami +200
Previous Encounter
Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps have met just once prior, in May 2024 at BC Place. Miami won that match 2-1. Neither of Miami`s goalscorers from that game are still with the club, and Vancouver`s scorer, Ryan Gauld, is injured for this match. Both teams have seen significant changes in the past year, which appear to have improved their performance this season. Lionel Messi`s expected presence for this away fixture is a major factor.
Coaches` Perspective
Approaching Concacaf competitions with importance, Inter Miami`s perspective, as conveyed by Mascherano, highlights the significance of this match. He described it as “a very important game for us, one of the most important in the history of the club,” emphasizing the two-legged nature of the tie. The focus for the first leg away from home is to play well, potentially score away goals (which are valuable tiebreakers), and control possession to be “protagonists.”
Winning the Concacaf Champions Cup is a major objective for Inter Miami this season. An away draw, even 1-1, would be a positive result given the away goals rule. Vancouver`s strong attacking record this season (17 goals) will test Miami`s defense north of the border.
MLS Ambitions in Concacaf
Only one MLS team has previously won the Concacaf Champions Cup: the Seattle Sounders. The tournament has historically been dominated by Liga MX clubs, who have won 17 of the last 20 titles. While Costa Rican teams had a brief success period (2004, 2005), and the Sounders won in 2022, Mexican teams have largely prevailed. However, MLS sides have reached the final in three of the last five editions, including this season`s guaranteed finalist from this side of the bracket. This presents one of the best recent opportunities for an MLS club to claim Concacaf`s top club prize.
Predicted Lineups
Vancouver Whitecaps: Yohei Takaoka, Tate Johnson, Ranko Veselinovic, Tristan Blackmon, Edier Ocampo, Pedro Vite, Andres Cubas, Sebastian Berhalter, Ali Ahmed, Brian White, Emmanuel Sabbi
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcon, Lujan, Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi
Key Player
Brian White, Vancouver Whitecaps: White is enjoying a remarkable season for Vancouver. Known for his aerial ability and physical presence, he poses a significant threat to the Miami defense. While Noah Allen has performed well defensively, stopping White will be a critical test. Even if he doesn`t score, White`s presence creates space and opportunities for teammates, requiring Miami to balance focusing on him while also being mindful of Vancouver`s other attacking options.
Key Storyline
Midfield Control: A crucial aspect of the match will be which team controls the tempo, potentially driven by players like Sebastian Berhalter and Pedro Vite for Vancouver or Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi for Miami. Vancouver has demonstrated an ability to maintain possession effectively. Inter Miami struggled in midfield control during a recent match against Columbus, and repeating that performance could be costly against the Whitecaps.
Match Prediction
This match is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams capable of scoring and defending effectively. Goalkeepers will likely play a key role, as attackers on both sides can capitalize on minimal space. A draw seems a probable outcome, with both main strikers potentially finding the net.
Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 1, Inter Miami 1