05/27/2024
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Inter Miami CF
The much-anticipated game of the year is finally here. Unfortunately, the sellout crowd will not be able to enjoy watching three of the Miami stars that were left off the roster for this match. Many fans voiced their displeasure online about not been able to see their idols, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez. Many also blame the MLS for scheduling another mid-week game back in Miami after being on the road in Vancouver. The best way for the Whitecaps to appease the fans is to put on a great effort and get back into their winning ways.
The game began with the Whitecaps on the attack and fans voicing their displeasure with boos and the chants of “where is Messi" resonating throughout the stadium. Jordi Alba received a yellow card in the 20th minute for a clumsy foul on Ahmed. Ball possession has been even so far, and Miami is ahead with shots on goal at 4 and Caps with 2. After 30 minutes, both teams had good chances to score but failed to convert with the final touch. Ali Ahmed received a yellow card for complaining to the referee. In the 36th minute, after a quick counter, Jordi Alba placed a beautiful through ball to a sprinting Robert Taylor who was able to get past his defender and with a clever right foot shot, curved the ball past the outstretched Takaoka to open the score. The Caps continued to push forward and were looking for the equalizer. Only 1 minute of extra time was added but nothing was accomplished. The score at half remains Miami 1 Caps 0.
The second half begins without any changes to either side. A great header by Fafa went wide and serves as a warning to Miami that the Whitecaps will be going all out to even up the score. Miami received a couple of yellow cards to Bright and Miami coach Tata Martino.
In the 54th minute, Leonardo Campana scored with a kick inside the box from a quick counterattack that he started at midfield. Brian White had a great chance shortly after the goal, but narrowly missed. The Whitecaps make two substitutions at the 54th minute, in goes Martins for Laborda and Bovalina for Vite. Miami’s midfielder, Weigandt, was given a yellow card after a hard tackle on Fafa. It was the 4th yellow of the game for Miami. Again, Miami continues to go in with hard tackles and this time Aviles is yellow carded for a hard foul on Ryan Gauld. It will be a tough uphill battle for the Caps to get back into the game. A controversial call via VAR gave the Whitecaps a penalty shot. Ryan Gauld scored, and they brought two more subs. In came Raposo for Schopf and Berhalter for Veselinovic. It will make for an interesting last 15 minutes of play. The Whitecaps are pushing forward and are forcing Miami to defend.
Late subs for Miami and the Caps. In goes Johnson for Cubas. Miami will try to kill the last couple of minutes to preserve the lead. The Caps left it too late in the game to get on the attack. The referee has given 8 minutes of extra time. Lots of pressure on the Miami end but no reward. Going into the last minute of play and it looks like Miami will be able to withstand the pressure. Final whistle blows and the score remains, Miami CF 2 Whitecaps FC 1. It was a disappointing ending to what should have been an eventful evening for the 51,035 Whitecaps supporters that filled the stadium. The lack of a supporting cast that can elevate the game when things are not going well is showing up more and more with every passing game. The opponent, even with a secondary lineup, was still able to control the game and well deserved of the three points. It has now been 6 games since the Caps tasted victory and with the lack of scoring has changed the optimism from the great start of the season to a sense of desperation as the team starts to see themselves decline in the Western Conference standings. Maybe the rumblings of bringing in a true star to the current lineup will start once again and the need to inject new blood will create a bit of a buzz for the faithful supporters. Time will tell but changes need to happen, or the same story will sadly repeat itself.
Next up for the Whitecaps is an away mid-week game on Wednesday May 29 against Sporting KC who is currently struggling themselves in last place in the Western Conference standings with 11 points. The Caps on the other hand are currently in 7th place with 19 points. It is a must game at this point as we look ahead to their next home game at BC Place on Saturday June 1st against a Colorado team that sits ahead of the Caps in the standings. Let’s hope for good things to happen over the next two games and bring back a more positive outlook to the team and fans alike.
Carlos Parra✍️
Jorge Parra 📸
UnderDog Productions