Cuban Soccer Players Leave Team in Canada

HAVANA TIMES, Jan 26 — Two Cuban soccer players absconded from their team on Tuesday during continental women’s Olympic qualifying matches taking place in Vancouver, Canada.

The players, Yezenia Gallardo and Yisel Rodriguez snuck away from the Cuban delegation and are now in the United States, according to an Associated Press report yesterday.

The head of the Cuban delegation refused to answer questions after the game as the team was leaving their bus to participate in CONCACAF matches.

According to the website Cubaencuentro, Gallardo was one of the best players on the squad and, like Rodriguez, had started in the first two games.

Cubans who reach the United States are given immediate assistance and a fast track to permanent residency under the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act.