On Thursday morning Vancouver Whitecap captain Jay DeMerit announced his retirement in an open letter to fans. This confirmation comes after multiple members of Vancouver’s media reported the news last night.
After working his way up the English soccer pyramid he had a successful career with Watford FC and earned his first cap for USMNT in 2007 and played in all four of their matches during the 2010 World Cup.
DeMerit was the Whitecap’s first MLS signing and has been the club’s captain since its inaugural MLS season in 2011. Jay’s time in Vancouver has been filled with injuries. The worst occurred in the first game of 2013 when he ruptured his right achillies only a few minutes into the season. He returned from injury late that season as the team battled for a playoff spot but came up just short. He came into this season with a new contract and helped the team get off to a strong start. Unfortunately, in the game against the Philadelphia Union just before the World Cup, Jay ruptured a second tendon in his ankle.
Jay will now take on an ambassador role for the Whitecaps.
(image courtesy of Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)
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