WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende scored second-half goals as Inter Miami claimed its first MLS title on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps in the final.
Playing at home due to its superior regular-season record, Miami went ahead at Chase Stadium through an Edier Ocampo own goal. Ali Ahmed equalized before De Paul and Allende struck in the last half hour as Miami pulled clear to secure the trophy.
"For 11 months we worked hard, we had bad and difficult moments," Miami manager Javier Mascherano said after the match. "We let a title chance slip earlier in the year [in the CONCACAF Champions Cup] but this time it didn't. We might not have played our best game today but we deserve this for the season we've had."
The result provided a winning farewell for Spanish duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who had previously announced they would retire at the end of the season.
"What a way for Jordi and Sergio to finish their careers," Mascherano said. "Both could continue playing because they are still performing at a high level. But it was a decision that they wanted to take and now they have the goodbye that they deserve."
The hosts took the lead in the eighth minute when Colombian defender Ocampo turned the ball into his own net following a swift Miami attack.
Captain and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi began the move, winding back the clock with some clever dribbling in midfield before releasing his Argentina teammate De Paul. The former Atletico Madrid midfielder then lifted a pass into the path of Allende, whose cross from the right side of the penalty area ricocheted into the net off Ocampo.
Vancouver's best chance of the first half came via veteran forward Thomas Muller, who won an aerial duel in the 41st minute only to send his header directly at goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo.
The visitors emerged from the interval with renewed purpose and Canada international midfielder Ahmed equalized on the hour, combining with Brian White before lashing a first-time drive that Rios Novo parried onto his right post and into the net.
Emmanuel Sabbi then ran half the length of the pitch and unleashed a powerful shot that rebounded off both posts without crossing the line.
Just when it looked like Vancouver had seized the momentum, Miami regained its composure. The hosts restored their lead in the 71st minute after Messi forced a turnover and slipped a pass to De Paul, who took a touch before slotting a low finish past goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka.
The Florida side put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time when Messi controlled De Paul's pass with his chest and filtered a pass to Allende, who finished clinically with his ninth goal of these playoffs. ■
