Jay DeMerit: podcast appearances and interviews

Jay Michael DeMerit is an American former soccer player who played as a center back. Born on December 4, 1979, he played college soccer for the UIC Flames and was part of the Chicago Fire Premier development squad. After not being drafted by Major League Soccer, he moved to England to pursue his career. DeMerit played for non-league sides Southall and Northwood before signing with Watford in the Championship in 2004. Over six seasons, he made 213 appearances for Watford, including one in the 2006–07 Premier League. He scored in Watford's victory in the 2006 Football League Championship play-off final. Following his tenure at Watford, DeMerit was the first player signed by Vancouver Whitecaps FC for their entry into Major League Soccer, where he played for four seasons before retiring due to injury. Internationally, he was first capped for the United States in March 2007 and earned a total of 25 caps through 2011. He was part of the US squads that won the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup and finished as runners-up at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. DeMerit also represented the United States at the 2007 Copa América and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.