When he defected to the United States while the Cuban national team was playing at the 2007 Gold Cup in Houston, Osvaldo Alonso knew his risky move could be the best thing for hissoccer career and his life. Yet he also knew leaving behind his family would be hard, so the visit to Seattle of two family members last week brought him great joy.
His paternalgrandparents, Diosdado Alonso Morales and Irene Pardo Almora, as retired seniors over the age of 65 were able to obtain visas valid through October. They attended thematch Saturday against Portland at Qwest Field.
“To have them here, I’m really happy to be at their side,” said the 25-year-old Alonso. They flew from Havana to Miami, where they were metand then accompanied to Seatttle by Alonso’s wife, Liang.
“I know for him it’s a very proud moment,” said head coach Sigi Schmid. “It’s a very special moment.”