Quick Facts
Biography
Pedro Faife (born January 1, 1984 in Zulueta) is a Cuban soccer player who currently plays for Miami FC in the USL First Division.
Career
Club
Faife began his soccer career with his hometown team, Villa Clara, and played with the team until his defection to the United States in 2008, helping the team win the Campeonato Nacional de Fútbol de Cuba in 2004.
Faife defected from Cuba to the United States in 2008 in the hope of a securing professional career. Following his defection he trialed with several Major League Soccer clubs, including Chivas USA, but was not offered an MLS contract, and instead joined Miami FC of the USL First Division for the 2009 season.
International
Faife was a member of Cuba's under 17 and 23 teams and in 2003 made his debut for the senior Cuban National Team. Faife subsequently made 35 appearances for the team over the next six years, but is not expected to make any more appearances for the national team since his defection to the United States. He was part of the Cuban squad at the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Defection to the United States
Faife defected to the United States when he disappeared from his hotel outside of Washington, D.C. before a CONCACAF 3rd round World Cup qualifier against the United States on 11 October 2008.