The Vancouver Whitecaps thoroughly dismantled Inter Miami, earning a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup Final on June 1. Jesper Sørensen’s team was clinical as they earned a resounding 5-1 total aggregate series win over Lionel Messi’s team.
It’s the biggest win in over 40 years for the franchise.
“It’s a special moment for this team,” Whitecaps striker Brian White told reporters post-game in Fort Lauderdale. “I really can’t put into words what this means for us, how much it means for the club, the city. Yeah moving onto the final and hopefully we can get the job done there.”
The camaraderie and brotherhood that the Whitecaps have built inside their locker room has helped formed a foundation for success. Teammates are playing for each other.
“I don’t know if I’ve really been a part of such a close locker room before,” White added.
“Everyone who has come in the last couple of years has said the same thing and I think that speaks volumes. I think you see that on the field, how close the group is. The sky’s the limit to what we can achieve this year.
“Hopefully we can stay humble, know where we come from, believe in ourselves, and continue to push forward.”
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There is clearly a unique bond within this team, which is top of the table in Major League Soccer. They’re one win away from proving to be the best club in all of Concacaf.
“I think it’s probably the best group I’ve been with in my career,” said Whitecaps defender Tristan Blackmon. “Everybody cares for one another and cares about what we’re doing as a club. You see that each and every game. We’re fighting for each other and fighting for results, and it’s going in a good way right now.”
The Whitecaps have often played the role of the underdog. A team on the West Coast that doesn’t earn the credit that other teams do. The belief within the team has never wavered. Vancouver has shown that you don’t need a superstar quartet to win matches.
The holy grail is in sight as the Whitecaps keep on dancing.
“We’re dreamers,” said midfielder Sebastian Berhalter. “Why not? We’re a small market club, but why not? Why not win the whole thing?
“We’ve been saying since day one, we’re about trophies. This club wants to win trophies. That’s why we’re here and that’s why we’re in the final.”
Standing in the Whitecaps way is one of a pair of Liga MX teams in Cruz Azul and Tigres UNAL, as their aggregate is tied at one. If Thursday’s match between those clubs ends in a draw in regulation time, Vancouver would host the Concacaf Champions Cup Final at BC Place.
“That would be a special moment,” White said of a potential final at BC Place. “Obviously not in our control anymore, hopefully the Soccer Gods can play to our hands and help us host that final.”
Together to the final 💙🤍
Thank you amazing for the support away from home.#VWFC | #ConcaChampions pic.twitter.com/fYWHmNv7Ys— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) May 1, 2025
Vancouver had 300 family, friends, and support staff in attendance at Chase Stadium. Being able to celebrate with people who have been through all the ups and downs with the club has meant the world to the team.
Sørensen wants to see more Vancouverites backing the team.
“I think it’s great for everybody in the club and the fans,” Sørensen said. “Maybe we can rally in the city of Vancouver behind the team even more and hopefully excite people. I think it was two great games and we came out on top. I’m very happy for the players and very happy for everybody working in the club. I think it’s great for our fans that we get this moment. I hope we can enjoy it.”
If the Whitecaps are able to defeat a third Liga MX side on June 1, they would earn a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup in December.
“The club has never been this far,” Berhalter said. “I’m just so proud to be a part of this group.”