Some solace for Verde fans in the aftermath of the MLS Conference Final results is that Austin FC qualified for Concacaf Champions League.
Once NYCFC lost to the Union, Verde & Black punched their ticket to the tournament as the highest ranked US-based MLS club not already qualified in the 2022 MLS Supporters’ Shield Standings (LAFC and Philadelphia Union were already secured a spot).
Austin FC join the likes of Atlanta United and Los Angeles FC as MLS teams that have qualified for Concacaf Champions League in their second season as a franchise.
“Qualifying for the Concacaf Champions League has been a goal for Austin FC since we started competing two years ago.”
Claudio Reyna, Austin FC Sporting Director
What is Concacaf Champions League?
The Concacaf Champions League is the foremost professional soccer tournament in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
It pits the top teams from domestic leagues in Concacaf member nations against one another in a knockout-style tournament. The winner is crowned the champion and earns the right to compete at the FIFA Club World Cup.
MLS and Liga MX make up more than half the teams in the competition. Here’s the full list of qualified clubs for 2023:
- United States: Austin FC, Los Angeles FC, Philadelphia Union, Orlando City
- Mexico: Club León, Atlas, Pachuca, Tigres
- Honduras: Real España, Olimpia, Motagua
- Haiti: Violette AC
- Canada: Vancouver Whitecaps
- Costa Rica: Alajuelense
- El Salvador: Alianza
- Panama: Tauro
Also check out our CONCACAF Champions League for Dummies: CCL 101 post.
Who will Austin FC play in the Concacaf Champions League?
The club’s opponent was revealed via a live draw by Concacaf on Nov. 7.
Drumroll, please…
Get your passport ready! Verdes are going to the Dominican Republic to face Violette AC in 2023.
The matchup takes place over two legs—one home and one away—with the winner determined by aggregate score across the two matches. Violette AC will host the first leg Tuesday, March 7 at Estadio Cibao FC in Santiago, Dominican Republic (NOT Haiti) and Austin will host the second leg Tuesday, March 14 at Q2 Stadium.
2023 Austin FC season ticket members will automatically receive tickets to the second leg match at Q2 Stadium in their SeatGeek accounts.
Austin FC’s Concacaf Champions League Schedule
The Round of 16 schedule is out for Concacaf Champions League.
| Date/Time | Opponent | Home/Away | Stadium |
| 3/7 5:00 pm (CT) | Violette AC | Away | Estadio Cibao FC, Santiago, DR |
| 3/14/ 7:00 pm (CT) | Violette AC | Home | Q2 Stadium, Austin, TX |
Key 2023 Concacaf Champions League dates
The tournament will run concurrently with the 2023 Major League Soccer regular season, beginning the second week of March, and concluding with the second leg of the final on June 4, 2023.
- Round of 16: March 7-9 (first legs) and March 14-16 (second legs)
- Quarterfinals: April 4-6 (first legs) and April 11-13 (second legs)
- Semifinals: April 25-27 (first legs) and May 2-4 (second legs)
- Finals: May 31 (first leg) and June 4 (second leg)
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