Cuban Soccer Players Defect to the US
Seven members of Cuba's national soccer team deserted after an Olympic qualifying game against the US in Florida this past March. The players included the team’s best players: Jose Manuel Miranda, Yenier Bermudez, Erlys Garcia Baro, Yordany Alvarez, Loanni Prieto, Yendry Diaz and Eder Roldan. The desertion of the players led to Cuba’s defeat in an Olympic qualifying match against Honduras.
Under the Cuban Refugee Act of 1966, Cubans who reach the US are allowed to remain in the country, may apply for asylum and can then apply for legal permanent residency after one year.
This defection of seven players is the largest defection for the Cuban soccer team. In 2002, two players escaped from the Gold Cup, another defected in 2005 and two did last year. Several of those players have secured spots on American soccer teams.
Five of the defectors from the Cuban national team have stated that their goal is to play for the US in the Major League Soccer League. Three of the defectors, goalkeeper Jose Manuel Miranda, captain and central defender Yenier Bermudez and midfielder Yordany Alvarez, had a two-week tryout session with Galaxy in Los Angeles. The three did not make the team, but have an upcoming tryout session with Chivas USA.
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