With the inaugural Whitecaps FC Alumni Match set for this Saturday, May 9 at BC Place, whitecapsfc.com will feature one member of the alumni who will be in attendance every day this week leading up to the match. Today, we chat with Jay DeMerit, the club's first-ever MLS signing and captain, who will also serve as the captain of the alumni team.
Tickets to the alumni match are still available (call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 to purchase).
Previous interviews:
1. What excites you the most about the upcoming alumni match?
Just the occasion. I think it’s pretty cool to have an alumni game for the first time since we’ve been in Major League Soccer. It really does start to create that bond that we all share at the club – that’s people for the future like WFC2, who we’re playing against, and the people of the past. It’s important to create that connection and this is a great way to do that.
- How do you think the alumni will fare against WFC2?
(Laughs) I’m glad we’re not playing 90 minutes, put it that way. I think we have a chance based on only the time we’re playing, but that being said there are some good young players coming through so it will definitely be a challenge for us old guys.
3. Which current Whitecaps FC player do you wish you could have played with?
I think Kendall Waston because obviously as a centre half you’re always looking for a great partner. Generally, throughout my career, it was the big, towering centre halves that I usually paired well with. Playing alongside of him would have been fun.
4. What do you miss most about your time with Whitecaps FC?
For me, the best part about being a pro is walking to the stadium on a gameday or walking the team out of the locker room. Those are the kinds of things you can’t replace as a retired athlete. There are a lot of things I can do now that I’ve never been able to do, so that’s been a huge positive in terms of life now. But walking a team out or walking to BC Place on a day when three points make all the difference, those occasions are always the best part about being an athlete.
5. What was your favorite moment with Whitecaps FC?
One was making the playoffs for the first time and being the first Canadian team to do so. That was a big accomplishment because I think any time you do make the playoffs it starts to put your team on the map. To accomplish that after starting as an expansion franchise is never easy and to go through that transition to become a team that is now playoff bound more and more every year, that was one of my best memories. Secondly, I think it was representing the Whitecaps in the MLS All-Star Game. When you get selected to represent your club in those types of games, those are moments you look back on with pride.
The inaugural Whitecaps FC Alumni Match will take place on Saturday, May 9 from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. PT at BC Place (prior to the evening's MLS match vs. Philadelphia Union).
Season Tickets Members and those who have already purchased a ticket for the MLS match have received an email with instructions on how to purchase their tickets for the alumni match. All others who are interested in attending the alumni match can purchase by calling the ‘Caps office at 604.669.9283 ext. 2.
A limited number of tickets will also be available for purchase at the tent located at BC Place outside of Gate A. Valid ticket for the afternoon’s MLS match must be presented. Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tickets for the alumni match are $5 with all proceeds being donated to the ‘Caps community partner, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
