Vancouver Whitecaps FC have announced that centre back Jay DeMerit will be the club's inaugural Major League Soccer captain.
DeMerit will take over as the 20th men's team captain since the club's first season in 1974.
"Jay has played at a very high level and is one of the most experienced players in the group," said Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson. "His playing ability and his leadership is a very good combination. We are lucky to have Jay as our captain."
DeMerit has served as a team captain in his career, having worn the armband at English League Championship and former English Premier League side Watford FC.
The native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, enjoyed six exemplary seasons with Watford. He scored the match-winning goal in the 2006 League Championship playoff final over Leeds United FC, as Watford earned promotion to the English Premier League for the 2006-07 season. Following the 2008-09 season, DeMerit received the Community Ambassador award in recognition of his charity and community work with Watford.
"It's a tremendous honour and a proud moment for me to be named captain of Whitecaps FC," said DeMerit. "It's a great challenge to lead the club from the start. That's what I was brought to Vancouver to do and that's what I plan to do, so I'm really excited about the opportunity and I look forward to being a big part of this organization."
