Haitian side Violette AC delivered the first shocking result of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, defeating MLS’ Austin FC 3-0 in the first leg of the competition’s round of 16 Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know:
- The win came in Violette AC’s first competitive fixture since May 22, 2022 — a span of 289 days.
- Miche-Naider Chery scored the first two goals, both coming from powerful close-range headers in the 13th and 39th minutes, respectively.
- The Haitian side’s third came courtesy of Austin FC defender Amro Tarek, who mishit an attempt at a clearance into the back of the net after a strong save by his own goalkeeper.
CCL fever is a hell of a drug
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) March 8, 2023
Backstory
The last time Violette played a competitive game, it beat Dominican side Cibao on penalties in the final of the CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship, which qualified the club for the CONCACAF Champions League.
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Due to that lack of games and the general gap in perceived talent between Violette and Austin, Tuesday’s result stands as one of the biggest upsets in the history of the competition.
Violette was playing this, the “home” game in the series, in the Dominican Republic due to safety concerns in their home country. The return leg at Austin FC’s Q2 stadium will take place on March 14.
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(Photo: Erich Schlegel / USA Today)
