The first player signed by the Vancouver Whitecaps when it made the jump up to MLS isn't going anywhere soon.
Jay DeMerit has re-signed with the club, the 'Caps announced on Monday.
Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"Vancouver has always felt like home and together with my wife, we have a sense of purpose and belonging here in BC," DeMerit said in a statement released by the club. "The fans of this club have always been tremendous. They deserve to have success and they deserve players who reflect the loyalty that they show us. With the strong nucleus we have created over the past few years, together with the young talent we will help grow, I believe the future of this club is bright and I look forward to being a part of it.”
DeMerit, 34, has been an integral part of the Whitecaps since they joined MLS in 2011, wearing the armband as the club's captain since day one and starting 64 matches in all competitions.
Last season saw him suffer a ruptured Achilles tendon in the season opener, but he returned from the injury in early September and helped the 'Caps nearly snag a second-straight playoff berth.
- Get all the latest Whitecaps news from WhitecapsFC.com
In 2014, under first-year coach in Carl Robinson, DeMerit is expected to be a calming presence on the backline.
“As he has proven over the last three seasons, Jay is an important member of our club,” Robinson said in a statement. “He’s a total leader. His dedication and professionalism were on full display last season when he returned from a serious injury earlier than expected and proved that he could still compete at a high level. The experience, energy, and standards Jay brings to our group is second to none and we’re delighted that he has committed to continuing his career with our club.”
