One of American soccer’s best stories is reportedly set to call it a career.
On the shelf following an ankle injury on June 7, Jay DeMerit has reportedly chosen to retire rather than continue with his rehab.
It’s been a rough few years in terms of health for DeMerit, 34, who started his career by literally knocking on stadium doors in Europe before finding his way to the Premier League and the US national team (There’s been a documentary based on his career called “Rise & Shine”).
According to Marc Weber’s report in The Province, the defender’s choice could’ve been nudged along by his planned career after playingsoccer.
From The Province:He also had other options to consider.
Sources say DeMerit will take a job with the league and work out of Vancouver, although the nature of that work isn’t yet clear.
He’s a highly marketable figure in the U.S., where he recently did some TV work for ESPN ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
His rags-to-riches story — undrafted kid from Green Bay, Wisc., climbs the ladder in England and scores the goal that lifts Watford into the Premier League — has captivated many along the way.
DeMerit earned 25 caps for the United States, and played overseas with Watford before coming to Major League Soccer.
His retirement would save the Whitecaps $100,000, and could trigger a signing to aid in Vancouver’s defense. The Caps are currently tied for the final playoff spot in the West, but would lose out to Colorado on goal differential.
