Jay DeMerit’s journey from lowly Southall to South Africa has been an American dream that will be realized on Saturday when the US center-half lines up against England in the World Cup Group C opener.
DeMerit, who plays for English Championship Watford, is one of seven members of the US squad who earn their living in England but none have taken his unusual route to the top.
Six years ago, ignored by teams in Major League Soccer, he decided to try his luck in England but with little of note in his background and few contacts he had to begin with west London semi-professional club Southall, then in the obscure Combined Counties league.
PHOTO: AFP
Playing in front of tiny crowds against players with day jobs as plasterers, postmen and plumbers, was not what the Wisconsin-born defender was aiming for when he moved to London — but it was a start.
A switch to Northwood of the Southern League was not a huge step up but he impressed in a pre-season friendly against Watford and was offered his first full-time professional contract.
Less than a year later, in March 2007, he made his debut for the national team and now, established at the heart of Bob Bradley’s defence, the 30-year-old will be charged with trying to stop Wayne Rooney and company.
“This is the culmination of a lot of hard work and a long journey but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have never taken anything for granted and I’m not about to start doing now,” he said after training on Sunday.
“It’s a big, big dream, bigger than I ever would have thought but it’s a natural progression. A long time ago this goal wouldn’t have seemed in sight but two years ago it was and now it has been made possible,” he said.
Although he will be performing on the biggest stage of all on Saturday, DeMerit, powerful in the air and brave in the tackle, hasn’t forgotten his former team-mates.
“I’ve been in touch with them a lot — guys that I see on a day-to-day basis that I am still good friends with,” he said.
“It’s all about the journey but not forgetting people along the way. There are a lot of guys I know back in England which means this first game extra special of course,” he said.
DeMerit’s room-mate Stuart Holden said that the defender’s climb up the ranks showed his battling spirit.
“It’s a remarkable story to see where he is and it is a testament to his character and the kind of guy that he is,” Holden said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and