Several members of the Cuban men’s football (soccer) team visiting Canada left the group before their World Cup qualifying match Friday.
The Cuban team arrived in Toronto with 15 players, but only 11 made it to the match.
Cuban coach Alexander Gonzalez said four players left the team. He said one of them was sick.
Gonzalez said the situation was not unusual for Cuban athletes who travel around the world. He said they are “all chasing the American dream.”
He said it was “difficult” to keep the team together and it was “tough” for him to talk about it.
Canada dressed 10 substitutes for Friday’s game. Cuba’s bench was empty except for the coaches.
Canada defeated Cuba 3-0.