Vancouver Whitecaps Dominate Inter Miami to Make Club History
The Vancouver Whitecaps ripped up the script in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, dismantling Inter Miami 3-1 at BC Place Wednesday night. This result wasn’t just another win—it punched their ticket to a continental final for the first time ever. For a club often living in the shadows of MLS giants, that’s a leap into new territory.
Inter Miami came in staring at a tough deficit. After losing 2-0 at home in the first leg, even a superstar-packed squad led by Lionel Messi had to do something they’d never done before—climb back from two down away from home. For a few brief moments, hope flickered when Jordi Alba curled in a gorgeous opener inside ten minutes. It felt like Miami might just have the firepower to flip the tie.
But Vancouver didn’t flinch. After soaking up pressure for the rest of the first half, the Whitecaps flipped the whole contest on its head as soon as the second period kicked off. Brian White’s poacher’s finish in the 51st minute switched the mood entirely inside the stadium. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Pedro Vite buried another just two minutes later. A stunned Inter Miami, suddenly deflated, never recovered.
Sebastian Berhalter—whose three assists and a goal across both semifinals made him the unexpected hero—put Inter Miami away in the 71st with a confident finish. Oddly enough, Berhalter’s best performance yet also brought bad news: he’ll be suspended for the final due to yellow card accumulation. It’s a cruel twist, especially after he played such a pivotal role in getting them there.
Messi Stifled Again as Vancouver Eyes History
There’s no way around it—Messi drew a blank for the fourth match running. It’s the longest drought he’s endured since arriving in Miami, and it’s sent the club tumbling to three straight defeats. For Miami fans, that’s uncharted territory. For Messi, the frustration is obvious every time the cameras catch his reaction. No surprise—the team around him looked out of sync, with passes breaking down and few real chances created.
Vancouver’s high-energy pressing and well-drilled backline gave Miami no room to breathe. White, Vite and Berhalter were superb up front, with all three exposing Miami’s defense multiple times. The combination of clinical counterattacks and composure in front of goal proved too much for a Miami side that’s usually comfortable in possession but looked rattled facing a home crowd in full voice.
The final chapter is still to be written. The Whitecaps will meet the winner of Cruz Azul and Tigres UNAL in the Concacaf Champions Cup final on June 1. It’ll be a massive stage—Vancouver hunting a first-ever continental title, while Miami is left picking up the pieces after a humbling night in Canada.