Miami Manage to Hold on for Vital Win

Vancouver Whitecaps 1-2 Inter Miami 

VANCOUVER, BC–An Inter Miami side missing some of its big-name superstars managed to secure the three points despite not playing at their best.

It was a tough night on the road for Miami, as they had to overcome a Vancouver side that was full of running and endeavor.

Miami were missing their South American pair of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, but it was the metronome in the middle of the park, otherwise known as Sergio Busquets, that was more noticeably absent.

The opening ten minutes were lively with both sides having half chances, most notably Leo Campana whose header was well saved by Yohet Takaoka in goal.

The Whitecaps were full of energy, and they unsettled the Miami defense. Fafa Picault was a constant threat along with his colleague Ali Ahmad who got the better of Jordi Alba and the Spaniard was forced to foul him, earning himself a yellow card in the process.

Invariably, any attack on the Miami goal involved Picault or Ahmed and they deserved more for their efforts. Picault in particular bamboozled the Inter defenders on more than one occasion and was unlucky not to score late on.

Miami had more of the possession as they looked for an opening to exploit, but Vancouver were dangerous on the break, and it made for an interesting contest.

The Whitecaps have been found wanting in the final third this season, and this game was no different. Their build play and inter-passing play was impressive to see, but it was that final pass that was lacking. They wasted some good opportunities with some poor decision making.

Despite the change in personnel, Miami was still comfortable on the ball and happy to pass it around as they looked for an opening.

And it was a great run from Robert Taylor on Miami’s left ten minutes into the second half that was seen by Alba. The full-back played in Taylor, whose first touch was excellent as it took him away from the defender and gave him a sight on goal. And he didn’t disappoint. Unleashing an unstoppable right-foot shot that gave the keeper no chance.

It didn’t seem to deter Vancouver who continued to play the same way. They were able to create some half-chances, and make sure that Miami didn’t have it all their own way, with Picault going close with a header.

Without the mercurial Messi, Campana was given the nod to lead the line. His link-up play was good, but goal-scoring opportunities were hard to come by. However, it was his run ten minutes into the second half that led to the second goal.

The striker collected the ball in his own half and ran forward with purpose, before releasing Taylor down the left. The winger dropped the shoulder and left the defense standing before his perfect cutback found Campana who had continued his run.

The striker made no mistake to beat Takaoka and give his side a two-goal cushion. It was probably a little flattering for Miami who hadn’t played that well, but the fans cared not, and Miami started to look more comfortable.

That was until Tomas Aviles’s moment of madness in his own penalty area as he blocked the run of Picault. It took VAR to intervene, but ultimately the young defender was penalized for the move and conceded a penalty. It was an odd thing for the young defender to do, with so many camera angles and the use of technology now, it’s almost impossible to hide anything.

Ryan Gauld made no mistake from the spot. Although, Drake Callender was unlucky not to get a hand to it. The big keeper would have wanted a clean sheet and his faultless display deserved one.

All it did was set up a chaotic finale, and Miami had to hang on as they were under siege at times in the dying minutes. Vancouver almost got the equalizer late on, when the tireless Picault headed against the post.

Time stood still as the ball bounced to safety, but it felt that it was the home side’s best chance to claw back the result, and although they continued to try late on, it proved to be the case as Miami hung on to win on the road again and extend their unbeaten run.

It was a good win and a good test for Miami who will want to maintain their good run and position at the top of the table.

(Editor’s note:  For more of Gerrit te Hennepe’s photos, please click on the link to his gallery.)