Inter Miami suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Vancouver Whitecaps in Thursday’s first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal series, leaving Lionel Messi‘s team with a huge task in next week’s return game.
Goals from Americans Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter gave the Canadian team a deserved victory in front of a sold-out crowd of 53,837 at BC Place.
Both teams are looking to reach the continental final for the first time but the star-studded Miami team struggled against Jesper Sorenson‘s fired-up side, who were deadly on the break.
Vancouver threatened early with their speed down the flanks with White setting up a chance for Daniel Rios, whose shot was blocked by Marcelo Weigandt.
The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Pedro Vite chipped the ball into the box and White timed his run perfectly to head home his 10th goal in 15 games in all competitions this season.
Messi’s impact was limited — he was quickly closed down by Vancouver and was restricted to an optimistic long-range effort in the 29th minute which flew high over the bar.
The Whitecaps continued to apply pressure and Rios saw a header from a corner saved by Oscar Ustari as the home side went in 1-0 up at the break.
SUBSCRIBE TO KEEP READING
Start for $0 & enjoy free unlimited access for 30 days.
- Daily TV listings for U.S. and global soccer.
- Exclusive interviews with players and coaches.
- Expert analysis of top soccer headlines.
- Cancel anytime.
Already have an account? Sign in here.
CHECK OUT MORE STORIES
Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.
Already have an account? Sign in here.
