CONCACAF Champions Cup: Vancouver Whitecaps Edge Inter Miami 2-0 in Semi-Final First Leg

The Vancouver Whitecaps took a significant step towards the CONCACAF Champions Cup final with a 2-0 win over Inter Miami. Get the latest updates on the match and the upcoming second leg.

The Vancouver Whitecaps secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Inter Miami in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final first leg, held at BC Place in front of a sold-out crowd of 53,837 fans. Goals from Brian White in the 24th minute and Sebastian Berhalter in the 85th minute gave the Canadian team a deserved win.

This defeat leaves Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, with a significant challenge ahead of next week's return game at Chase Stadium. The team will need a strong performance to overcome the two-goal deficit and advance to the final, where the winner will secure a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Upcoming Match:

 Date: April 30, 2025

  Location: Chase Stadium, Miami

 Time: 8 p.m. ET

Potential Opponents in the Final:

   Tigres UANL (Mexico)

   Cruz Azul (Mexico)

The Vancouver Whitecaps' win was a testament to their strong form under head coach Jesper Sørensen, with US striker Brian White leading the team's scoring efforts. Inter Miami, on the other hand, will look to bounce back from their defeat and make a strong push to advance in the competition.

Inter Miami CF and Vancouver Whitecaps FC are both vying to reach their first-ever continental final. However, Miami struggled against a determined Vancouver side, who capitalized on their speed and counter-attacking prowess.

The Whitecaps threatened early, with Ryan Gauld setting up a chance for Daniel Rios, but Marcelo Weigandt blocked the shot. The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Pedro Vite delivered a precise chip into the box, and Brian White timed his run perfectly to head home his 10th goal in 15 games this season.

Lionel Messi's impact was limited as he was quickly closed down by Vancouver's defense. He managed an optimistic long-range shot in the 29th minute, but it flew high over the bar, failing to trouble the Whitecaps' goalkeeper.

The Whitecaps maintained their pressure in the first half, with Daniel Rios having a header from a corner saved by Oscar Ustari. The home side went into the break with a 1-0 lead, thanks to Brian White's goal in the 24th minute.

In the second half, Miami coach Javier Mascherano urged his team to respond, and they started strongly. However, their attacks were slow and predictable, with Lionel Messi limited to a long-range free-kick that Takaoka easily saved after it took a deflection.

Half way there, but works not done yet! 😤@TheChampions Semifinals Leg 2 takes place on Wed, April 30 vs. #InterMiamiCF at Chase Stadium! #VWFC | #ConcaChampions pic.twitter.com/zlBJaSApBK

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) April 25, 2025

Sebastian Berhalter, son of former USA coach Gregg Berhalter, was instrumental in Vancouver's victory, showcasing tireless running and intelligent distribution. Although he initially wasted a chance to double the lead, he made up for it with five minutes remaining. Jayden Nelson's low cross from the wing found Berhalter at the back post, who this time scored emphatically, securing a 2-0 win for Vancouver.

“It feels good but we've got one more game and we can't get ahead of ourselves... we have to take care of business,” Berhalter said, emphasizing the importance of staying focused for the second leg. He praised his team's resilience and determination, adding, “Just the resilience, the character, the fight to keep going. We talked about this all week, we know we can do this and it's not a surprise to us.” With this win, Vancouver takes a two-goal advantage into the second leg in South Florida.

Berhalter smashes it home 🥹#VWFC | #ConcaChampions pic.twitter.com/9vsKPSylcU

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) April 25, 2025