He was being strangled by the red tape of government bureaucracy, a result of war in Iraq and tighter restrictions put in place by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after Sept. 11. Canadian-born Rick Titus signed a contract with the Battery on March 12, but didn't get clearance to enter the United States until this week.
Titus arrived in Charleston on Tuesday, wound up and ready to play. He didn't mind the excessive heat and extra drills as the Battery prepared for today's 7:30 p.m. soccer match against Syracuse at Blackbaud Stadium.
After more than three months in limbo, the 34-year-old defender was just trying to get limber.
"I've been training and lifting weights, but I couldn't get that game-fit feel," Titus said. "I came in in relatively good shape."
Titus said he will need about a week to be up to full speed, and expects to see limited time in tonight's match. The Southeast Division-leading Battery enters with a 9-2-2 record and 29 points. The Northeast Division Salty Dogs enter with a 6-4-2 record, good for 20 points.
The Battery needed overtime to beat the Salty Dogs 1-0 in Syracuse, N.Y., on June 6.
"The team is winning and doing well, so there's no reason to change the lineup," said Titus, who last year played for Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids. "I'll just be glad to get in when I do."
He's also glad to be back in the States. He lived in Vancouver in the off-season and jumped at the chance to play for the Battery. But he was blind-sided by the bureaucracy.
"It was really hard to get a work permit," said Titus. "It just sort of stalled in Washington. The Homeland Security had all the paperwork in their office, and they gave me about four or five reasons for the delay. I'm just glad to be here, and I'm glad it's over."
Battery head coach Chris Ramsey is happy to have Titus aboard.
"Obviously, we didn't think it would take this long for him to get here," Ramsey said. "All's well that ends well. We're not going to harp on that. We're just thankful he's here. He's a versatile player, so he gives us depth. His experience is vast: West Coast, East Coast and MLS."
Last year, Titus started 27 games for the Rapids, accumulating 2,362 minutes, with one assist. He played against the Battery last year in the U.S. Open Cup match at Blackbaud.
He had an idea he'd be back.
"I fell in love with Charleston when I was here," said Titus, a native of Mississauga, Ontario. "I hung out in the city with the guys, and really liked it.
"I really liked the Market area because it is bohemian. Charleston is very artsy."
Titus is an artist on defense. He was the A-League defender of the year in 2001 when he played for the Vancouver Whitecaps. He demonstrated skill and stamina, playing every minute of every game, compiling club records by playing in 50 consecutive matches and logging 4,630 minutes.
"I keep in shape and make sure I'm fit," Titus said. "I've been able to keep away from injuries, and I get my rest when I need it. I also thank my parents for genetics, too."
Titus broke into the A-League with the Toronto Lynx in 1997 and spent two seasons there. He split the 1999 season between the Hershey Wildcats and Staten Island Vipers.
He wouldn't mind ending his career with the Battery. He hopes to play until he's 40, and then might give indoor soccer a try.
"The facility and the organization here are outstanding," Titus said. "They are a professional club, and it's hard to find that in North America."