There has been one big announcement after another in Whitecaps FC land recently, but Thursday's unveiling of USA international Jay DeMerit is sure to have gotten fans excited about the kind of MLS team they will see next March.
As the club's first MLS signing, I'm delighted to see Whitecaps FC bring in a player that not only has experience of soccer's top levels, but is a very personable and confident individual - one that is not afraid to face challenges and overcome them.
Further insight into the career and life of the former Watford FC captain can be seen in part one and two of these great feature videos from US Soccer. They highlight DeMerit's late introduction to the game, his conversion from a striker to a centre back in college, and the European adventure that led to his professional breakthrough in England.
The 30-year-old also shows himself to be a man of many interests off the pitch, as seen in this short feature on his time as a Watford player and how he evolved to become captain of The Hornets.
There is also an artistic side to the Green Bay, Wisconsin, native. A university graduate in fine art, DeMerit has been known to take interest in art galleries and museums, as well as music. You can rate his vocal skills in the following music video…
Displaying energy and passion for his new role in Vancouver, DeMerit has started off on the right foot with the Blue and White faithful. If that turns into top performances on the pitch in about four months' time, his popularity on Canada's west coast will only rise...
