Jay DeMerit
Encyclopedia
Jay Michael DeMerit is an American
soccer player who plays for Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer
, and for the United States
national team. His improbable career is the subject of the independent film, "Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story" based on his rise from the lowest tier of football in England to the Premier League and World Cup.
and track
in addition to soccer. He attended Bay Port High School
and graduated in 1998.
DeMerit played college soccer
at the University of Illinois at Chicago
, where he moved from playing forward to defender. While in college, DeMerit formed part of a defensive backline that helped lead the team into the NCAA playoffs in 2000. Although he played with Chicago Fire Premier
, the development team of the Chicago Fire in the USL Premier Development League
, he was not drafted or signed by any Major League Soccer
clubs following graduation from college. After spending some time working as a barman, Demerit took the advice of a former European teammate and decided to take advantage of his European Union
work status (due to his Danish grandfather) by moving to England in 2003 with only $1,800, in an attempt to find a club to play for. He started off playing in the ninth tier of English football for Southall
, earning only £40 a week.
In July 2004, DeMerit joined Northwood
, a seventh-tier side, to play in some of their pre-season matches. Northwood played Watford
, then a Football League Championship
team, in their second pre-season match. During the course of the match, DeMerit impressed then Watford manager Ray Lewington enough to earn a two-week trial. Following the trial, DeMerit signed a one year contract with Watford to play in their 2004–05 season.
as they had in DeMerit's first season with the club. However, under new coach Aidy Boothroyd, Watford maintained strong form throughout the season and finished third in the Championship table, earning the right to enter the playoffs for the last of three annual promotion spots to the Premier League. On May 21, 2006, in the play-off final against Leeds United, DeMerit headed in the game's first goal and was named Man of the Match
as Watford gained promotion to the Premier League by defeating Leeds United 3–0. Soon afterwards, he joined the ranks of athlete-musicians by releasing a single entitled "Soccer Rocks", available in the club shop.
DeMerit's hard work in the 2005–06 Championship
season and his efforts in helping get the club promoted was rewarded with a contract extension taking him through the end of the 2008–09
season as a Watford player. He was named as one of three candidates for Watford's 2006–07
Player of the Season award, which was ultimately won by goalkeeper Ben Foster
.
Until the 2007–08 season
, DeMerit often filled the role of Watford's vice-captain, behind then-captain Gavin Mahon
. He captained Watford for the first time on December 9, 2006, in the home game against Reading
, and re-donned the armband on January 6, 2007, for the 4–1 win over Stockport County
in the FA Cup
third round. On December 15, 2007, it was announced that DeMerit had been named captain, replacing Mahon, whose contract was not being renewed. However, this later proved to be a temporary move, with the captaincy rotating between himself, Danny Shittu
, and Richard Lee
, before finally being passed to John Eustace
, a newly signed central midfielder. In later interviews, DeMerit admitted that this placed strain on his relationship with manager Adrian Boothroyd
.
Early in the 2009–10 season, DeMerit suffered a scratch on his eyeball while removing a contact lens
. DeMerit's eye became infected, severely obscuring his vision and requiring a corneal transplant in October. He returned to action on December 7, 2009, playing the second half of Watford's 3–1 victory over Queens Park Rangers. DeMerit's contract at Watford expired in June 2010, and was not renewed.
in 2011.
on March 28, 2007, starting in a friendly against Guatemala
. He was a member of the USA squad for the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup
.
During the 2009 Confederations Cup, DeMerit started at center back due to Carlos Bocanegra
's hamstring injury. He played the entire game when the USA defeated Spain
in the Confederations Cup semi-final 2–0 on June 24, 2009; the Barcelona sports daily El Mundo Deportivo called DeMerit's play "superb". DeMerit also played the entire match when the USA lost 3–2 to Brazil in the Cup final on June 28, 2009.
For the 2010 FIFA World Cup
in South Africa, he made Bob Bradley
's 23-man squad, and started all four of the United States
matches – the three first-round games, against England
, Slovenia
, and Algeria
, and the second round match against Ghana
, in which the USA were eliminated.
During the Algeria match he played most of the game with a split tongue that required five stitches after the game.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soccer player who plays for Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
, and for the United States
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
national team. His improbable career is the subject of the independent film, "Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story" based on his rise from the lowest tier of football in England to the Premier League and World Cup.
Early career
DeMerit was a three-sport high school athlete in Wisconsin, where he participated in basketballBasketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
and track
Track and field
Track and field is a sport comprising various competitive athletic contests based around the activities of running, jumping and throwing. The name of the sport derives from the venue for the competitions: a stadium which features an oval running track surrounding a grassy area...
in addition to soccer. He attended Bay Port High School
Bay Port High School
Bay Port High School is a public high school located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Founded in 1963, it had a graduating class of 30 in 1964. Its enrollment for the 2006/2007 school year was a little over 1,675....
and graduated in 1998.
DeMerit played college soccer
College soccer
College soccer is a term used to describe association football played by teams who are operated by colleges and universities as opposed to a professional league operated for exclusively financial purposes...
at the University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago, or UIC, is a state-funded public research university located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Its campus is in the Near West Side community area, near the Chicago Loop...
, where he moved from playing forward to defender. While in college, DeMerit formed part of a defensive backline that helped lead the team into the NCAA playoffs in 2000. Although he played with Chicago Fire Premier
Chicago Fire Premier
Chicago Fire Premier is an American soccer team based in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Founded in 2001, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games at...
, the development team of the Chicago Fire in the USL Premier Development League
USL Premier Development League
The USL Premier Development League is the amateur league of the United Soccer Leagues in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, forming part of the American Soccer Pyramid...
, he was not drafted or signed by any Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
clubs following graduation from college. After spending some time working as a barman, Demerit took the advice of a former European teammate and decided to take advantage of his European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
work status (due to his Danish grandfather) by moving to England in 2003 with only $1,800, in an attempt to find a club to play for. He started off playing in the ninth tier of English football for Southall
Southall F.C.
Southall F.C. is a semi-professional football club based in the Southall area of west London, in the London Borough of Ealing, England. Football has been played in Southall from at least 1871.-History:...
, earning only £40 a week.
In July 2004, DeMerit joined Northwood
Northwood F.C.
Northwood F.C. is an English football club based in Northwood in the London Borough of Hillingdon. They play their home games at Northwood Park Stadium...
, a seventh-tier side, to play in some of their pre-season matches. Northwood played Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
, then a Football League Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
team, in their second pre-season match. During the course of the match, DeMerit impressed then Watford manager Ray Lewington enough to earn a two-week trial. Following the trial, DeMerit signed a one year contract with Watford to play in their 2004–05 season.
Watford
During the 2005–06 season, Watford was expected by many to fight relegation from the Championship to League OneFootball League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
as they had in DeMerit's first season with the club. However, under new coach Aidy Boothroyd, Watford maintained strong form throughout the season and finished third in the Championship table, earning the right to enter the playoffs for the last of three annual promotion spots to the Premier League. On May 21, 2006, in the play-off final against Leeds United, DeMerit headed in the game's first goal and was named Man of the Match
Man of the match
In sport, a Man of the Match or Player of the Game or Man of the Series award is given to the outstanding player, almost always the one who makes the most impact, in a particular match or series. The term was originally used more often in cricket before being adopted by other sports. This can be a...
as Watford gained promotion to the Premier League by defeating Leeds United 3–0. Soon afterwards, he joined the ranks of athlete-musicians by releasing a single entitled "Soccer Rocks", available in the club shop.
DeMerit's hard work in the 2005–06 Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
season and his efforts in helping get the club promoted was rewarded with a contract extension taking him through the end of the 2008–09
2008–09 Watford F.C. season
-External links:**...
season as a Watford player. He was named as one of three candidates for Watford's 2006–07
2006–07 Watford F.C. season
During the 2006–07 English football season, Watford F.C. competed in the FA Premier League, after being promoted from the Football League Championship last season...
Player of the Season award, which was ultimately won by goalkeeper Ben Foster
Ben Foster (footballer)
Benjamin Anthony "Ben" Foster is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for West Bromwich Albion, on loan from Birmingham City, and internationally for the England national team.-Stoke City:...
.
Until the 2007–08 season
2007–08 Watford F.C. season
The 2007–08 football season was Watford Football Club's 62rd consecutive season of competitive football since the Second World War. It began on 1 July 2007, and concluded on 30 June 2008, although competitive games were only played between August and May....
, DeMerit often filled the role of Watford's vice-captain, behind then-captain Gavin Mahon
Gavin Mahon
Gavin Andrew Mahon is an English footballer who is currently under contract at League One club Notts County.-Career:...
. He captained Watford for the first time on December 9, 2006, in the home game against Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
, and re-donned the armband on January 6, 2007, for the 4–1 win over Stockport County
Stockport County F.C.
Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
third round. On December 15, 2007, it was announced that DeMerit had been named captain, replacing Mahon, whose contract was not being renewed. However, this later proved to be a temporary move, with the captaincy rotating between himself, Danny Shittu
Danny Shittu
Daniel Olusola "Danny" Shittu is a Nigerian footballer who plays for Queens Park Rangers."Olusola" is a nickname for the Yoruba name "Oluwanisola" .-Early career:...
, and Richard Lee
Richard Lee (footballer)
Richard Anthony Lee is an English footballer. He is a goalkeeper and currently plays for Brentford.-Playing career:...
, before finally being passed to John Eustace
John Eustace
John Mark Eustace is an English footballer who plays for Watford as a central midfielder. He has previously been contracted to Coventry City and Stoke City, and has spent time on loan at Dundee United, Middlesbrough, Hereford United and Derby County.-Coventry City:Born in Solihull, Eustace began...
, a newly signed central midfielder. In later interviews, DeMerit admitted that this placed strain on his relationship with manager Adrian Boothroyd
Adrian Boothroyd
Adrian Neil "Aidy" Boothroyd is an English former footballer and is currently managing Northampton Town after being sacked as manager of Coventry City on March 14, 2011. He was manager of Watford of the Championship until 3 November 2008...
.
Early in the 2009–10 season, DeMerit suffered a scratch on his eyeball while removing a contact lens
Contact lens
A contact lens, or simply contact, is a lens placed on the eye. They are considered medical devices and can be worn to correct vision, for cosmetic or therapeutic reasons. In 2004, it was estimated that 125 million people use contact lenses worldwide, including 28 to 38 million in the United...
. DeMerit's eye became infected, severely obscuring his vision and requiring a corneal transplant in October. He returned to action on December 7, 2009, playing the second half of Watford's 3–1 victory over Queens Park Rangers. DeMerit's contract at Watford expired in June 2010, and was not renewed.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
On November 18, 2010, DeMerit was announced as the first player signed by Vancouver Whitecaps FC in preparation for their entry into Major League SoccerMajor League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
in 2011.
International career
DeMerit earned his first cap for the United States national teamUnited States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
on March 28, 2007, starting in a friendly against Guatemala
Guatemala national football team
The Guatemala national football team is the association football team representing the country of Guatemala and is controlled by the Federación Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala. Founded in 1919, it affiliated to FIFA in 1946, and it is a member of CONCACAF....
. He was a member of the USA squad for the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup
2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup
The 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup was the ninth edition of the Gold Cup, the football championship of North America, Central America and the Caribbean , and was won by the United States over Mexico. It was contested in the United States from June 6 to June 24, 2007.This competition was the third...
.
During the 2009 Confederations Cup, DeMerit started at center back due to Carlos Bocanegra
Carlos Bocanegra
Carlos Manuel Bocanegra is an American soccer player who plays for Scottish Premier League club Rangers and is the captain of the United States national team.-Chicago Fire:...
's hamstring injury. He played the entire game when the USA defeated Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
in the Confederations Cup semi-final 2–0 on June 24, 2009; the Barcelona sports daily El Mundo Deportivo called DeMerit's play "superb". DeMerit also played the entire match when the USA lost 3–2 to Brazil in the Cup final on June 28, 2009.
For the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
in South Africa, he made Bob Bradley
Bob Bradley
Robert "Bob" Bradley is an American soccer coach and the current manager of the Egypt national football team, taking over in September 2011. He previously managed the United States men's national soccer team...
's 23-man squad, and started all four of the United States
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
matches – the three first-round games, against England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
, Slovenia
Slovenia national football team
The Slovenia national football team is the national football team of Slovenia and is controlled by the Football Association of Slovenia. The team played their first match in 1992 after the split of Yugoslavia in 1991....
, and Algeria
Algeria national football team
The Algeria national football team , nicknamed الأفنــاك, Les Fennecs , represents Algeria in association football and is controlled by the Fédération Algérienne de Football. Algeria's home ground is the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers and their head coach is Vahid Halilhodžić.Algeria has qualified...
, and the second round match against Ghana
Ghana national football team
The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Ghana Football Association...
, in which the USA were eliminated.
During the Algeria match he played most of the game with a split tongue that required five stitches after the game.
Club
Watford- Football League Championship play-offsFootball League Championship play-offsThe Football League Championship play-offs are a series of playoff matches contested by the teams finishing from 3rd to 6th in the Football League Championship table. The semi-finals are played over two legs, with 6th playing 3rd and 5th playing 4th, with the return fixtures following...
(1) : 2005–06
External links
- MLS player profile
- Jay DeMerit profile at watfordfc.co.uk
- Jay DeMerit feature from 2006 on SI.com