As I watch Mexico and then Trinidad & Tobago drop 8 goals combined on Cuba this Gold Cup, I can’t help but wonder: where are the good Cuban players?
Oh Yeah! That’s Right… the best one defected in 2007: Osvaldo Alonso.
Since he re-emerged in the MLS a few years later, his play has been stellar by MLS Standards as a defensive midfielder, and currently anchors the defense of one the more recognizable brands in American soccer: the Seattle Sounders.
Sounder’s fans know him for his defense, bulldog workman-like effort, and vital tackles. I’m sure Cuba could have used the same veracity patrolling the midfield a couple of games ago, as he does for the Sounders each weekend.
Don’t expect him to suit up for the U.S. or really even Cuba for that matter. However, with the new improved relations between Cuba and the U.S., I wonder: Why not play for Cuba?
Much has been written about the FIFA’s sketchy citizenship rules, Alonso’s U.S. Citizenship, and future in the red, white, and blue.
The problem with Alonso playing for the U.S. is clear: he has already represented Cuba in a FIFA-sanctioned competition. As far as FIFA is concerned, he is and will be cap-tied unless Cuba relinquishes him to the U.S. in writing.
Why would they?
They should call him up, now!
Imagine the power in that decision.
Sure, Alonso would immediately become a leader on a team that clearly needs some talent, fire, and desire defensively. Somehow it’s hard to imagine a Cuban team WITH Alonso losing 6-0 to Mexico and 2-0 to Trinidad & Tobago. (Leadership and an angry viper running from box to box for 90 minutes has to make some sort of change, shouldn’t it?)
So, why should Alonso accept the bid if Cuba ever asked?
Aside from the fact that he’s cap-tied to them already and they have no reason to let him play for their rivals, Cuba is going through a state of progression.
Cuba has actually made numerous social and economic changes as country, since Raul Castro has taken over as President of Cuba in 2006. Their workforce and economy is improving, while their stances on Immigration appear to be changing.
True, people are still defecting, (well defectors gonna defect) but the government is now encouraging legal immigration into America and working on laws that would allow U.S. immigrants the ability to retain ownership of their money and possessions while living abroad.
I’m not saying he should immediately ask for a transfer to FC Cienfuegos, but now could be a good time to get involved:
… With pushing the Cuban government to allow more representation for the people of Cuba.
… Or become a symbol of peaceful relations between the U.S. and Cuba.
… Or become a voice for the under-represented and tell all of the little-known injustices that go unnoticed by the rest of the world (the situations that make Cubans wish to defect in the first place).
There has never been a larger win-win situation up for grabs for Cuba or Osvaldo Alonso, and they better act quick, otherwise Cuba may never win again.
