UIC's DeMerit Named to MLS All-Star Game First XI

CHICAGO -- Former UIC men’s soccer standout Jay DeMerit, who now stars for the Vancouver Whitecaps, has been named a “First XI” selection for the 2012 Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game, to be played at PPL Park in Philadelphia on July 25.  The “First XI” selections were compiled from the most fan votes in their positions via online voting, twitter, and text messaging.

DeMerit has helped lead the Whitecaps to a league-leading nine shutouts and an 8-4-6 record this season, playing in 17 games and scoring one goal. DeMerit became the Whitecaps' first MLS signing and captain in November 2010, coming to Vancouver after six seasons with England’s Watford FC. The US international appeared in every match of his country’s campaign at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This is his first MLS All-Star team selection.

DeMerit, a native of Green Bay, Wis., starred at UIC from 1998-2001, earning NSCAA All-Midwest honors and All-Horizon League plaudits in three separate seasons.  He was a major factor for UIC’s first two conference champion and NCAA Tournament teams in 1999 and 2000 – DeMerit scored 11 goals and tallied 14 assists during his playing career with the Flames.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber’s two selections and the complete game day roster will be announced on ESPN during halftime of the NY Red Bulls and Seattle Sounders match on July 15. The first XI is not necessarily the starting XI. The 2012 MLS All-Star team will take on Chelsea on July 25 at PPL Park.

Recently, DeMerit's Vancouver Whitecaps team returned to Chicago and the UIC facility.