The Vancouver Whitecaps have announced that U.S. national team defender Jay DeMerit is the team’s first signing. The 30-year-old is an imposing force, a gritty defender who will add leadership to what will be a young Whitecaps defense.
DeMerit, a native of Green Bay, Wisc., spent the past six seasons playing with English club Watford. He also started all four games for the US national team in their run to the knockout stages of this past summer’s FIFA World Cup. His no-nonsense approach in those matches is what caught the attention of Whitecaps FC President Bob Lenarduzzi
“For a center back to know that your initial job is to stop the other team from scoring, you compete you lead, that’s huge for me,” said Lenarduzzi. “I think players like Jay at that position are a dying breed.”
For DeMerit, joining the Whitecaps was about looking for a new opportunity.
“Vancouver ticked pretty much every box that I could think of as to what I wanted. And that’s an aspiring club, a challenge to be a leader on the field and off the field, and it’s also about trying to be a part of something new and something special. There’s something inspiring about being a part of something new and having ambition to make it even bigger. I feel I’m in the right place and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Picture Source: www.whitecapsfc.com