Former U.S. international Jay DeMerit has such a great career story. So great, in fact, there is a brilliant documentary on his implausible rise through England’s professional tiers.
Now he’s getting closer to adding yet another chapter -- a quick comeback to an injury that could easily have kept the veteran center back out for the entire 2013 season.
A comeback crept closer on Saturday in Texas, as the Whitecaps’ captain made an 18-man game day roster for the first time since tearing his Achilles on opening day of the season. He did not get into the game in Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Real Salt Lake, but just making the bench and becoming an option for Martin Rennie’s selection is a big step.
DeMerit began running on his own about three months after rupturing his Achilles tendon on that day back in early March. He has been in full training sessions for about two weeks now, and getting into the 18 on Saturday is yet another step forward.
With Vancouver now in 7th place (two spots out of the playoffs) and a very tough schedule ahead, the club could probably use DeMerit’s experience and presence. The team has two road matches ahead before a home contest against the current Supporters Shield leaders, Real Salt Lake.