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Vancouver Whitecaps Secure 2-0 First-Leg Victory Over Inter Miami in CONCACAF Semifinal

Goals from Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter give Vancouver a decisive edge, with Lionel Messi contained by a resilient defense.

Vancouver Whitecaps v Inter Miami CF - CONCACAF Champions Cup
Vancouver Whitecaps' Emmanuel Sabbi (top) jumps over Inter Miami's Maximiliano Falcon during the second half of a CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal soccer match, in Vancouver, on Thursday, April 24, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Morris
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Sebastian Berhalter celebrates after his goal in the Vancouver Whitecaps' 2-0 win over Inter Miami in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final, first-leg on Thursday.

Overview

  • The Vancouver Whitecaps defeated Inter Miami 2-0 in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal at a sold-out BC Place, setting a club MLS-era attendance record of 53,837.
  • Brian White opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a well-timed header, and Sebastian Berhalter sealed the win in the 85th minute with a powerful finish from a counterattack.
  • Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes for Inter Miami but was largely neutralized by Vancouver's defensive strategy, limiting his impact to long-range attempts and set pieces.
  • Inter Miami now faces a two-goal deficit heading into the second leg on May 1 in Fort Lauderdale, needing to win by at least two goals to force extra time.
  • The winner of this semifinal will advance to the June 1 final to face either Cruz Azul or Tigres UANL, with a regional championship and a FIFA Club World Cup berth at stake.