Inter Miami disappoints Whitecaps fans with missing stars, 2-1 win

Robert Taylor scored a first-half goal and had an assist on Leo Campana's second-half goal and Inter Miami beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 on Saturday night, despite the superstar's absence Lionel Messi, striker Luis Suárez and midfielder Sergio. Busquets.

Taylor scored for the third time this season when he used an assist from Jordi Alba to find the net in the 38th minute, giving Inter Miami (10-2-4) a 1-0 lead at the half. -time.

Taylor picked up her assist in the 54th minute when Campana scored her fourth goal of the season for a two-goal advantage.

The Whitecaps (5-5-4) avoided a shutout when Ryan Gauld scored unassisted in the 72nd minute. It was Gauld's fifth goal.

Drake Callender saved a shot and was untested during Inter Miami's scoreless first half.

Yohei Takaoka finished with four saves for Vancouver, all in the first half.

Vancouver fans expressed their displeasure on social media after Inter Miami announced earlier in the week that the trio would not be making the trip West. Miami coach Gerardo (Tata) Martino told reporters Friday that the club opted to keep Messi, 36, as well as Suarez, 37, and Busquets, 35, in Florida due to upcoming games at home Wednesday and Saturday next week.

It was a difficult turn of events for the Whitecaps, who were expecting a record crowd of more than 50,000.

“Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent, and it was important for us to communicate with our fans as early as possible,” Vancouver CEO Axel Schuster said in a statement Thursday.

The Whitecaps offered fans a free ticket to an upcoming match as well as a 50% discount on food and drinks and free meals for children under 18 during the match.

Inter Miami will host Atlanta United on Wednesday. Vancouver travels to Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday.

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