3 takeaways from Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps
- Robert Taylor and Leo Campana stepped up to lead Inter Miami to victory
- The Herons were without a few of their most important players in the narrow victory
- Miami extended their unbeaten run to eight matches with the win
Another week, another win for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer action.
It was a complete and comprehensive victory for the south Florida club over Canadian outfit Vancouver Whitecaps on the road at BC Place. Not only did the win keep Miami atop the Supporters' Shield table, it also meant that David Beckham's club won their second-straight MLS match and their seventh league win from their last eight outings.
Despite Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez not making the trip to northwest Canada -- they were given a rest by head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino -- the Herons managed to pull out a narrow win thanks to the stellar play from some of the team's more underrated players.
Here are three main takeaways from Miami's win over the Whitecaps.
No Messi, Suarez or Busquets? No problem for Miami
In previous matches, we've seen Miami struggle to break opposing teams down and create chances without players like Messi and Busquets in the side. However, this time was different for Martino's team.
The legendary Messi and the ruthless Suarez have combined for 21 MLS goals in 2024 -- which works out to roughly 55% of the team's 38 league goals -- and that's not even factoring in their combined 17 assists. Despite that, Miami figured out a way to win despite the late onslaught from the Whitecaps, something that will bring hope to Martino for when Copa America rolls around this summer.
Miami's squad players show up big-time
Miami have without a doubt the most talented squad in all of MLS with veteran and inexperienced players alike. That is to be expected when a player like Messi puts pen to paper, as players won't pass up the opportunity to play alongside the game's greatest-ever player.
Some of Miami's players that don't play week in and week out could probably get starting roles for other MLS sides. This is true for the likes of Robert Taylor and Leo Campana, with both players losing their starting spots this season to Matias Rojas and Suarez, respectively.
Campana bagged the winning goal for the second-straight match while Taylor opened the scoring and provided the assist for the young Ecuadorian's second-half strike. The duo have more than proved their worth to Martino as they came up clutch on the road to deliver the three points.
Jordi Alba reminds everyone of his quality
While Taylor and Campana will rightfully make the headlines after their excellent performances, don't forget about Jordi Alba's importace to this Miami team. Franco Negri was serviceable during his run in the side when Alba missed time with a hamstring injury, but it's almost night-and-day when you compared how Miami play with Alba back in the team.
His through-ball to setup Taylor for the opening strike was perfect and no other player on the pitch saw it coming. With Alba back in the swing of things and starting matches, Miami essentially have an extra forward on the pitch when they spring forward in transition.
Alba's contributions weren't limited to the attack, though. The 35-year-old played his part in seeing out the result for Miami in stoppage time, showcasing his know-how and experience by holding the ball up in Vancouver's half to relieve pressure before the full-time whistle.