Whitecaps 2, Inter Miami 0: Vancouver wins first leg of CONCACAF semifinals
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A sublime defensive play by Whitecaps' Edier Ocampo ended Inter Miami's final attack and secured Vancouver's 2-0 win in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal Thursday night at B.C. Place.
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The Whitecaps had just 31 per cent possession, but put more shots (5) on target than Miami (2), continuing their strong defensive form they've shown in league play. The Herons had more total shots (10-8) but couldn't solve the final touch to breach the Caps defence.
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Vancouver got things going in the 25th minute when Brian White pounded home a header off a lob from Pedro Vite. That was White's 10th goal across all competitions this season, and fourth of the CONCACAF Champions Chip. He's now tied Carl Valentine for fourth-all time in scoring in Whitecaps history.
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The Whitecaps held Miami until the 36th minute when visiting superstar Lionel Messi shot one from 22 yards out. Vancouver goalie Yohei Takaoka handled it easy, gathering it and taking it to the ground.
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Vancouver's all-important second goal came from Sebastian Berhalter in the 85th minute. Halftime sub Emmanuel Sabbi made a dancing run down the right flank before laying off to JC Ngando, who played Jayden Nelson into the box on a cutback. Nelson's cross dribble through the box to the far side, where a wide-open Berhalter roofed it, with Brian White celebrating before he even kicked the ball.
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With tonight's win, the Whitecaps will take a 2-0 aggregate lead into the second leg in Miami, which comes next Wednesday, April 30 (5 p.m. OneSoccer).
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