James, Huggins stalled

One door closed on the international football careers of Vincentian Footballers, Cornelius Huggins and Marlon “Tusty” James, and another soon opened.{{more}}

But that, too, was shut.

The two Vincentian Footballers were set to join Canadian club the Vancouver White Caps in the United Soccer League First Division earlier this week.

But the Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the two did not receive international clearance to join the club and will not be available for the remainder of the season.

SEARCHLIGHT understands that James had already arrived in Canada on Tuesday.

Huggins and James were fresh from completing their stints in Malaysia and should have made the smooth transition and a new start in the North American League.

In their farewell season, they helped Kedah retain the three titles they first won in 2007.

Reports are that the two were given a rousing send off from the Malaysian football fans with whom they have endeared themselves.

They were among the Kedah outfit who were honoured by the city for their achievements.

Huggins, 34, one of the best defenders that country has produced, began his Malaysian stint with Kedah in 2004, and helped them gain promotion to the Super League in 2005-2006 season.

James, 31,who was elevated to the captaincy of this country’s team in its failed attempts to advance in the World Cup qualifiers last June, joined Kedah in the 2006 season, and scored 27 goals this year and was the best foreign striker in the Malaysian League. He also earned the prestigious Golden Boots award in the Super League.

Prior to joining Kedah, James was with MK Land for the 2003 to 2005 seasons, when he notched up his first Golden Boots Award for scoring the most goals in the 2003 to 2004 season.

The Vincentians were among the foreigners who had to leave their teams following the FA of Malaysia’s decision to go for all-local affair in the new season, which begins in January.

Had the two Vincentians joined Vancouver as planned, they would have teamed up with another Vincentian defender, Wesley Charles.

Charles signed the dotted lines with Vancouver in July. (RT)