DeMerit header: Imagine scoring a header that takes your club to the English Premier League. Jay DeMerit, the American defender who set off for Europe to become a professional soccer player has had his fair share of struggles, most recently with a serious eye infection, but he’s now set to take part in the World Cup.
DeMerit has also a become a legend at Watford for helping them get back to the EPL Actually, he always be a legend at the club for this goal.
Watford won promotion to the EPL in 2006, thanks to his headed goal in the playoff final against Leeds. That moment went down in Watford history as the “10 million pound goal” – the estimated fiscal reward of gaining promotion at that time.
FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Jay DeMerit’s Play-Off Final goal v Leeds 21.05.06. Watching the video of the corner kick for Watford, it’s clear that DeMerit just wanted it more than any of the Leeds defenders. He wanted to score and attacked the ball and scored. DeMerit header for Watford is one for the clubs history books.
See DeMerit’s header at the 2 minute mark in the video below. Watford defender Jay DeMerit heads home the Hornets’ first goal in a 3-0 win over Leeds United in the 2005/06 Play-Off Final in Cardiff.
Let’s hope DeMerit can continue to see greater and greater success and help the U.S. national team do well in South Africa. He is the type of defender and overall player you just want on your soccer team. His desire and effort make him a key figure on the United States team.
DeMerit had a solid career playing for Watford:
“Oh, Jay DeMerit! Jay Jay Jay from the USA!” was a familiar tune at Watford matches home and away from 2005 to 2010 and for good reason. DeMerit was almost a permanent fixture in the starting XI and his impact on teammates and supporters alike cannot be understated.