Inter Miami CF Faces Vancouver Whitecaps in Highly Anticipated MLS Cup Final

Inter Miami CF is preparing to face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2025 MLS Cup final this Saturday.

The Eastern Conference champion, Inter Miami, secured its place in the final with an impressive 5-1 victory over New York City FC. Meanwhile, Thomas Müller’s Whitecaps clinched the Western Conference title for the first time by defeating expansion team San Diego FC 3-1.

ESPN reached out to analysts Cesar Hernandez and Joseph Lowery to provide insights on the recent conference finals.

Despite New York City FC missing several key players in the Eastern Conference final, one thing is clear: past versions of Inter Miami might have faltered against Pascal Jansen’s undermanned side. Without star striker Alonso Martínez, it’s easy to envision a version of Inter Miami from earlier in the season that struggled, allowing numerous goals and failing to reach the MLS Cup. According to FBref, only seven teams allowed more non-penalty expected goals (xG) than Miami during the regular season.

Throughout the current season, Miami’s fortunes have largely relied on one of the league’s most potent offenses, paired with a defense that has often struggled. However, the postseason has brought a significant turnaround.

After their recent 5-1 win over New York City, Miami has allowed an xG of 1.0 or less in four of their last five matches for the first time since Lionel Messi joined the squad in the summer of 2023. With effective pressing, solid mid-block defending, and goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo stepping up during crucial moments, Inter Miami’s defense is evolving from a liability to an asset, positioning them well for a potential MLS Cup victory.

On the other hand, Vancouver has had an impressive year, marked by a Canadian Championship victory, a second-place finish in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and now, a spot in the MLS Cup final. Depending on whom you ask, many believe that Jesper Sørensen should have received the MLS Coach of the Year award, and Saturday’s commanding 3-1 win over San Diego in the Western Conference final demonstrated how well-tuned his roster is.

The upcoming championship match against Miami will undoubtedly be a challenging endeavor, yet 2025 has already been a landmark year for the franchise. The acquisition of a player like Müller speaks volumes about the front office’s ambitions, which has been highlighted by one of the league’s most notable mid-season signings.

In the Eastern Conference final, Allende’s hat trick against New York City FC secured his place in the MLS record books, tying the league record for the most goals scored in a single playoff campaign with eight—matching Carlos Ruiz’s record from 2002.

While Messi had a quieter game by his own standards, Allende’s dynamic attacking play was a highlight. Operating from the right wing in Inter Miami’s 4-3-3 formation, the 26-year-old scored three goals, showcasing his ability to perform in critical moments. Currently on loan from LaLiga’s Celta Vigo, Inter Miami is reportedly negotiating to retain Allende beyond this season given his impressive performances thus far.

Meanwhile, Vancouver’s Ahmed has been a standout player. His impressive performance against San Diego included an assist, a secondary assist, and a shot that resulted in an own goal. The 25-year-old displayed relentless energy and skill, contributing significantly to Vancouver’s success.

As they prepare for the final, expectations are high for both teams. Historically, the Whitecaps’ last title game saw Ahmed score twice, leaving fans eager to see if he can replicate that success in the upcoming match.

In his last professional season, Jordi Alba was determined to leave a mark during Inter Miami’s Eastern Conference Final triumph. Known more for his playmaking ability than defensive skills, Alba delivered a remarkable back-heeled assist during the game, ensuring that his final match against New York City was a memorable one.

Initially, it appeared that San Diego would capitalize on their home advantage with a sold-out crowd and a strong defensive record. However, Vancouver quickly shifted the momentum by scoring their first goal, leaving San Diego’s defense in disarray. Following Ahmed’s contribution to a critical own goal, it became evident that Vancouver was in control.

While San Diego deserves recognition for their journey in this remarkable expansion year, the match highlighted how quickly fortunes can change in soccer.