“It was the most difficult decision of my life, and the biggest decision I’ve ever had to make."

Ariel Martínez ran. His face still tear-stained after winning what would be his final match for his country. The cover of nightfall concealing the star midfielder’s sprint for a new life.

Darío Suárez ran. No looking back, no hesitation, no sense of direction. Minutes became miles. Surged forward by the hopes and dreams of a professional soccer career.

The Cuban National Team arrived in Charlotte, N.C. on July 13, 2015 for its final group stage match in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, needing a win to advance to the knockout rounds. Both Martínez and Suárez had seen their team suffer losses in each of the first two matches in the group stage, each seeing playing time in the tournament. As they prepared for Cuba’s match against Guatemala, their minds were far from the soccer pitch.

Each had a plan, and neither had told a soul – the risk was too great. With just one more guaranteed match left in the U.S., it was now or never.

"It really is like a movie."