Subrata Paul may join Vancouver Whitecaps FC

PANAJI: Vancouver Whitecaps FC are giving Pune FC goalkeeper Subrata Paul the chance to prove he can follow Sunil Chhetri to the Major League Soccer, America’s premier soccer league. Paul, India’s Nehru Cup 2009 hero, will leave for Canada later this week to try out with the Vancouver Whitecaps, and will be offered a deal if he attracts more than just passing attention during the 10-day trial.
"I can confirm that Subrata has received an invitation to trial with Vancouver Whitecaps," his agent, Arvind Narayan, told TOI on Monday.
The India goalkeeper was originally scheduled to leave for Canada on Tuesday but a groin injury in the last match against Mumbai FC has pegged him back. When Paul sets out to realize his foreign ambitions - he simply does not have competition here - it will be yet another twist to his eventful, if not remarkable journey.
Its a journey that started with so much promise when with the Tata Football Academy (TFA), got derailed with the on-field death of Brazilian striker Cristiano Junior and then almost died a natural death when the then Mohun Bagan coach Amal Dutta accused him of accepting a bribe to perform poorly against East Bengal.
Vancouver Whitecaps are currently in the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) second division but will have automatic MLS qualification once the next season commences in December.
"Coach Derrick Pereira and Chirag Tanna have been very helpful in the process and they have given the goalkeeper their blessings. This just shows that Pune FC is a forward thinking club," said Narayan, who is focused with Libero Sports operations in Asia.