Whitecaps make DeMerit their first signing

Published Nov. 18, 2010 6:33 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Vancouver Whitecaps have made United States defender Jay DeMerit their first Major League Soccer signing.

The Whitecaps, who join MLS next season, announced the move at a news conference Thursday. DeMerit's contract with English club Watford FC expired before the World Cup.

The 30-year-old from Wisconsin started all four games for the U.S. at the World Cup.

DeMerit has made 23 appearances for the United States.