Club Career
After playing his collegiate soccer with the University of Illinois at Chicago, DeMerit joined the Chicago Fire Reserves, a PDL side associated with the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. A teammate there suggested that he try out for non-league teams in England since DeMerit, due to his Danish grandfather, could obtain a European Union work visa.
Once in England, DeMerit landed a spot with Ryman League Northwood FC. His first match was a friendly against Coca-Cola Football League Championship side Watford, and he impressed so much that Watford invited him to join the team, eventually signing the defender to a one-year contract in the summer of 2004.
After only a few games, notably one against Real Zaragoza, DeMerit was able to showcase his strength, aerial ability and fitness. Watford was impressed enough to renegotiate a new contract with DeMerit, signing him for three years.
His first professional season saw him play 32 times, scoring three times for the Hornets. DeMerit was expected to play a major role in Watford's 2005/06 season, but lost his place and suffered a shoulder injury early in the season.
He regained his starting spot in October 2005 and played a major role as the Hornets reached the Premiership via the playoffs, with emphatic 3-0 wins over Crystal Palace in the semifinal and Leeds United in the final, DeMerit scoring the first goal and scooping the Man of the Match award at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Having given him an improved two-year contract in January 2006, Watford repaid DeMerit's contribution to their promotion season by extending it a further year to 2009 in July of 2006.
DeMerit played 32 games in Watford's 2006/07 Premier League campaign, which ended in relegation, scoring twice. He also featured five times in the Hornets' run to the FA Cup semifinal, where they lost to Manchester United.
In December of 2007, DeMerit received the honor of being named captain and continues to fill this role during the 2008-2009 season.
The defender suffered a bizarre, but serious injury during the 2009/10 season when he scratched his eye while removing a contact lens. The scratch became infected and DeMerit began to lose his vision. The condition worsened to the point where a corneal transplant was required, but his operation went well and he was able to return to action by December 2009.
When his contract expired in May 2010, DeMerit parted ways with his longtime club. Currently, he is still in search of a new club.
International Career
DeMerit was called up by Bob Bradley for the March 2007 camp, his first recognition for any youth or senior national team. He made his full debut by starting against Guatemala on March 28th. DeMerit is now regularly called on by Bradley for the U.S. National Team. DeMerit was a member of the 2007 Gold Cup winning team and has been capped in recent CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup.
As in his club career, DeMerit's tenure with the national team has been a story of persistence and success. DeMerit spent much of 2007 and 2008 as a reserve, but seized opportunities when they came his way. An injury to Carlos Bocanegra allowed DeMerit to shine in the group stage of the 2009 Confederations Cup. His strong performance pushed the US captain to left back when he returned from injury.
DeMerit played every minute for the US in the 2010 World Cup.
Currently visting YA: 253 
