MIAMI, Florida – Haitian history makers Violette AC will look to continue their dream run in the 2023 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League when they face Liga MX side Club Leon in the first leg of the quarterfinals on Tuesday night at the Estadio Leon in Leon, Mexico.
Violette became the first club from Haiti to win a series in the SCCL era when they eliminated Austin FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) 3-2 on aggregate in the Round of 16.
They also became the first Caribbean side to win an SCCL knockout round series since the 2010-11 Preliminary Round when the Puerto Rico Islanders defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Now, Violette will turn their attention to Club Leon and try to make more history for their club and nation. In nine previous matches between clubs from Haiti and Mexico, the Mexican clubs have won eight and drawn one.
But Violette has the talent to break that drought. FW Miche-Naider Chery was a handful for Austin FC in scoring two of his team’s three goals, while hard-working MF Steeven Saba completed 48 passes in the previous round over the two legs and won countless fouls for his side.
Club Leon have reached the SCCL quarterfinals for a second straight time after defeating Tauro FC of Panama 3-0 in the Round of 16. It was a commanding performance from the Mexican side, who are attempting to reach their first semifinal of the SCCL era.
Veteran playmaker Elias Hernandez has been stellar, accounting for a goal and an assist thus far, while youngster Fidel Ambriz and Brian Rubio have each contributed a goal.
With an overall record of 8W-4D-1L record at home in Concacaf play, Club Leon will fancy their chances of a strong start.
Stats in the 2023 SCCL Club Santos and Violette
Match Officials:
Referee: Ismael Cornejo (SLV)
AR1: Juan Francisco Zumba (SLV) AR2 Geovanny Garcia (SLV)
4th Official: Jaime Herrera (SLV)
VAR: Hector Vergara (CAN) AVAR1 Victor Rivas (USA)
