SEATTLE - It was a special journey for one of the greatest Cuban soccer players of all time. As part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Seattle Sounders, the Rave & Green honored one of the best players in club history in a fashionable manner. The Cuban Osvaldo 'Ozzie' Alonso will officially retire from professional soccer as a Sounders player, after spending 10 of his 15 years in MLS as a key member of the squad that won six major trophies, including the 2016 MLS Cup.
A midfielder whose best attributes were his tenacity and a never-quit mentality, Alonso arrived to the United States in 2007 as part of the Cuban national team that was set to play in the Gold Cup. After finding his calling in U.S. soccer, he defected from Cuba and began his professional career in USL. A wonderful season with Charleston Battery granted the Cuban a move to new MLS franchise Seattle Sounders FC.
After giving his sweat and tears for the organization for a decade, Alonso was rewarded by the franchise with a symbolic one-day contract so the Cuban could retire with the team he represented in 302 career games in MLS.
" I am very happy to be here. I always tell my wife that Seattle is my home," said a very emotional Alonso during the press conference. "I always wanted to retire as a Sounder. Being here today, having that opportunity is one of the best things in my life,"
Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer was also in attendance. When former Sounders FC manager Sigi Schmid stepped down in 2016, Schmetzer took over the team and guided the franchise to its first MLS Cup title that same year. "When I took over, I knew that the team needed something so I made Ozzie the captain right away. I did it because I had respect for who he was, how he played and I knew he could lead by example," Schmetzer said.
When asked about one of his favorite memories working alongside Alonso, Schmetzer shared a personal anecdote that encapsulates everything Alonso was as a soccer player. "When I first met Ozzie he was playing for Charleston and he was killing it. I was complaining to the referee this one time and Ozzie was just looking at me. I starred at him and he starred right back at me but none of us wanted to blink. He actually won and that's when I said 'okay, this guy means business, he is the guy'. That was one of the reasons why we wanted to bring him to Seattle," he added.
Between tears, Alonso reflected on his journey as a professional player. "I was 21 when I left my country. Back in the day, if you left Cuba the way I left, you were not allowed to come back. There was no internet and other things we have now so it was a big decision because I couldn't see my mom for seven years. Just by email, phone or even a picture. It was hard but at the same time it was the best decision I have made in my life," he said.
Alonso was part of a period in time in MLS that saw lots of changes. When he began his journey in Major League Soccer, Osvaldo Alonso was one of the very few Latinos playing in the league. Fast forward 15 years, Major League Soccer is in a whole different position. "I thank God that I was able to be part of that period in the club and the league's history. I think little by little the quality of soccer in the United States has grown and something I always try to tell the young players is to never stop dreaming. No matter the adversities you are facing in life, there's always another door that opens when one shuts."
For Latinos in the U.S., Alonso's story is just one of the millions of examples on how our community can thrive when there's passion and commitment to one's dreams. "I came from Cuba, didn't know any English...coming here and doing what I did was amazing for me and I am very proud of it," he added.
Surrounded by his wife and children, Alonso finished the press conference sending a message to Latinos looking to succeed in the United States. "This country is full of opportunities and for us as Latinos is a little more complicated since we arrive not knowing the language, without knowledge of the culture. Patience and perseverance are the keys to be successful in life."
As part of the franchise's 50th anniversary celebrations, Sounders FC will honor Ozzie Alonso at the club's home opener on Saturday, March 2 against Austin FC in front of the faithful Seattle Sounders crowd that cheered him on for a decade. "I am very excited for Saturday, it's going to be epic," he said.
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