Jay DeMerit
The Green Bay native felt chills the first time he represented the U.S. Here is a closer look at the defender.
- Juan Agudelo
- Eric Alexander
- Jozy Altidore
- Kyle Beckerman
- Tony Beltran
- Austin Berry
- Matt Besler
- Nat Borchers
- Terrence Boyd
- Will Bruin
- Edson Buddle
- Teal Bunbury
- Geoff Cameron
- Edgar Castillo
- Ricardo Clark
- Steve Clark
- Bobby Convey
- Kenny Cooper
- Joe Corona
- Sam Cronin
- Cody Cropper
- Danny Cruz
- Daniel Cuevas
- Charlie Davies
- Brad Davis
- Nick DeLeon
- Jay DeMerit
- Maurice Edu
- Michael Farfan
- Andrew Farrell
- Benny Feilhaber
- Greg Garza
- Eddie Gaven
- Luis Gil
- Alan Gordon
- Andy Gruenebaum
- Bill Hamid
- Matt Hedges
- Clint Irwin
- George John
- Sean Johnson
- Jermaine Jones
- Benji Joya
- Dan Kennedy
- Perry Kitchen
- Jeff Larentowicz
- Steven Lenhart
- Chad Marshall
- Jack McBean
- Dax McCarty
- Jack McInerney
- Matt Miazga
- Justin Morrow
- Patrick Mullins
- Lee Nguyen
- Conor O'Brien
- Amobi Okugo
- Michael Parkhurst
- Heath Pearce
- Chris Pontius
- Dillon Powers
- Christian Ramirez
- Nick Rimando
- Chris Rolfe
- Kelyn Rowe
- Omar Salgado
- C.J. Sapong
- Brek Shea
- Harry Shipp
- Tommy Thompson
- Wil Trapp
- Andrew Wenger
- Danny Williams
- Sheanon Williams
- Chris Wondolowski
- Graham Zusi
September 19, 2012
3:00 AM
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David Bernal/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
Putting on my purple jersey for the Howard Hurricanes back in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and playing with my youth team.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
Eric Cantona, for Man United.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
It was amazing. It was actually against Guatemala, and they had a guy I played college soccer against so it was a pretty special occasion. I was lining up against a former teammate down in Texas. I remember the chills I had when your national anthem comes on and you know that you're representing your country in an international match. We tied 0–0.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
I like good competitors. I like guys that will show character to come back when things aren't going well and guys who are consistent in your game.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
Guys that whine.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
I think it's taking the best out of my opportunities and always showing the character to keep fighting.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
My tricks. I don't have any tricks, so I'd like to learn at least one trick.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
Probably a coach in Chicago, a guy called Bret Hall. He was instrumental in making me believe that I could be a better soccer player and play at a professional level.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
Probably some of my U.S. teammates, like Stu Holden and Carlos Bocanegra.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
Playing in the World Cup.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
Not making the [English Championship] playoff final in 2008.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
I think it's always being consistent in my personality and letting that represent who I am on the field.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
Ashley Young and Tim Howard.
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
Didier Drogba and Lionel Messi.
IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
I have a design degree for product design, so I'd probably be doing something in the design world.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
A lengthy career.
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