ent of his passes in the process.Arcadia, CA

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VANCOUVER -- His career was built on making the right choices so its no surprise Jay DeMerit knew the time had come to walk away from playing professional soccer. DeMerit, the first player signed by the expansion Vancouver Whitecaps in 2010 and the Major League Soccer teams first captain, officially announced his retirement Thursday. "When it makes sense, when its right, its not sad," the amiable DeMerit said during a news conference. "Its not something I am going to regret. "Its something I am very proud of." Being convinced he made the right decision didnt stop DeMerit from battling back tears at one point. He will continue to work with the Whitecaps as an ambassador but has other business interests in Vancouver. "I am excited for the future," he said. "By no means is this the end." Known for strong defensive and leadership skills, the centre back had a goal and one assist in 71 career games -- 69 of which he started -- with the Whitecaps. He logged a total of 5,928 minutes during his MLS career. DeMerit spent six seasons with English club Watford FC before joining the Whitecaps. The 34-year-old American also appeared in 25 games with the U.S. national squad, starting four matches at the 2010 World Cup. Two injuries in a 15-month span hobbled DeMerit. In 2013, he missed most of the year with a torn Achilles tendon suffered in the season opener against Toronto FC. Last month, he tore a tendon in his left ankle in a 3-3 draw with the Philadelphia Union. "I knew I was up against it," DeMerit said. It was one day last week while watching the team practise that DeMerit began to question if he could return. "Watching the guys play it just kind of dawned on me I think these days are over," he said. "I looked down and saw an ankle with one real tendon. "I didnt think I had it in me anymore." Later that day while sitting on a Vancouver beach, DeMerit decided to call it a career. "I sat down on a log," he said. "At that exact second, after no other thought, I decided I was going to retire." In a letter to fans posted on the Whitecaps website, DeMerit said if he continued to play he risked damaging the reputation he spent years building. "Ive always been the kind of player who wears his heart on his sleeve and its that heart thats telling me its time to stop," he said. "If I cant be the player that I have always been, and play to a standard that I believe is high enough, then its time for me to smile, say thank you and give my commitment to a new cause." Vancouver president Bob Lenarduzzi said DeMerits charm and charisma off the field played an important role in helping to raise soccers profile in a market dominated by hockey and football. "Jay gets the big picture," said Lenarduzzi. "He gets that in North America we are selling the sport." DeMerit has made over 120 appearances on behalf of the Whitecaps. "His willingness to participate in virtually any request we put in front of him has helped to strengthen our brand in the market place," said Lenarduzzi. Coach Carl Robinson said DeMerits competitive spirit helped mould the team. "Hes a sore loser," said Robinson. "Hes a pain in the ........................... sometimes when it comes to training because he wants to win so much. "He leads by example. Young players knew what was expected of them. If they stepped out of line, or didnt do the job properly, he would tell them." DeMerit played college soccer at the University of Illinois-Chicago but was overlooked by pro scouts. He travelled to London with $1,200 in his pocket to pursue a soccer career. In his letter he talked about being broke, "sharing bath water" with a friend and playing games with "nothing but a couple of cows and five people in the stands." Eventually DeMerit would score the goal that sent Watford to the Premiership. He played in an FA Cup semifinal against Manchester United and a League Cup semifinal against Liverpool. He also played on the MLS all-star team that beat Chelsea. In Vancouver he helped the Whitecaps become the first Canadian team to reach the MLS playoffs. The chance to be part of a new franchise appealed to DeMerit. "I thought it was an ..... opportunity to be part of a blank canvas," he said. "Vancouver gave me that opportunity." Playing in Vancouver also allowed DeMerit to meet his future wife, Olympic gold medallist skier Ashleigh McIvor. The couple were married last summer. In his letter, DeMerit talked about what soccer gave him. "I got to travel around the world, grace a few magazines and billboards, and got to see the soccer community come together and raise money to make a ................... about my life," he said. "I got to talk about my beloved Green Bay Packers with Elton John while in my underwear and drink beers with Bill Clinton. "I got to meet other ..... athletes and even got to marry the most beautiful Olympic gold medallist on the planet." With one chapter of his life finished, DeMerit is anxious to see what the future holds. "This isnt a career ender," he said. "Its a life starter." Craig Biggio Jersey .Shipulin pulled away from Martin Fourcade of France, Simon Eder of Austria and Fredrik Lindstrom of Sweden to finish in 35 minutes 16.8 seconds. Fourcade was 1.2 seconds back in second place to reclaim the overall World Cup lead, with Eder another 0. Jose Altuve Jersey . Miralem Pjanic dribbled through the defence to score an extraordinary goal in the 43rd minute at the Stadio Olimpico and Gervinho added another from a rebound in the 65th for Romas ninth straight victory — ending Milans five-match winning streak. http://www.baseballastrosonline.com/lan ... os-jersey/. A larger-than-life personality known for his intimidating style in the 18-yard box, Schmeichels career spanned some 20 years -- including a memorable tenure at Manchester United. George Springer Astros Jersey .com) - Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer were among the third-round winners Friday at the French Open. Astros Jersey . Future Hall of Famer Ricky Ray is in his prime and back for a third season in double blue. The 34-year old was magnificent in 2013, throwing for just under 2,900 yards despite missing eight games, tossing an impressive 21 touchdowns against just two interceptions, completing 66 per cent of his passes in the process.Arcadia, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Secret Circle and Seeking the Sherif have been made the overwhelming favorites versus five other sprinters in Saturdays $100,000 Midnight Lute Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita. Secret Circle, trained by Bob Baffert, is the 4-5 morning line favorite with Seeking the Sherif the 5-2 second choice for the Midnight Lute, formerly the Vernon O. Underwood Stakes at Hollywood Park. Martin Garcia once again has the riding assignment aboard Secret Circle with the pair starting from post 6. Seeking the Sherif will be ridden by Edwin Maldonado from post 5 in the seven-horse field. Secret Circle, owned by Karl Watson, Paul Weitman and Mike Pegram, failed to successfully defend his crown in Novembers Breeders Cup Sprint at Santa Anita. The 5-year-old was second, a half-length behind Work All Week in the six-furlong championship. Four weeks ago, with Joel Rosario riding, Secret Circle was the 5-2 favorite in the Cigar Mile at Aqueduct, but again finished second, beaten five lengths by Private Zone. Secret Circle, winless in 2014, has three seconds and a third from four starts but has overall career earnings of $2,424,790 with seven wins, five seconds and a third from 13 starts.dddddddddddd Trainer Ron Ellis will saddle Seeking the Sherif for the Midnight Lute and owners Tim Goodwin, Steven Zolotas and Sabina Romo-Zolotas. Hes a hard-trying horse and hes doing great. I just dont know if hes as good as Secret Circle, Ellis indicated. Seeking the Sherif will be making his first start since finishing 11th in the Breeders Cup Sprint as a 43-1 longshot. However, the 5-year-old has won five of nine starts in 2014 for $222,700. He comes into Saturdays race with seven wins in 12 lifetime starts for $244,100. Breaking from the rail in the Breeders Cup was a tough thing to overcome but it was a tough race, Ellis said. The horse is probably not quite that good, but he doesnt owe us anything after being claimed for $12,500. Here is the complete field in post position order for the Midnight Lute: Heir of Storm, Gary Stevens, 15-1; Bahamian Squall, Corey Nakatani, 8-1; Bolita Boyz, Rafael Bejarano, 8-1; Appealing Tale, Victor Espinoza, 20-1; Seeking the Sherif, Edwin Maldonado, 5-2; Secret Circle, Martin Garcia, 4-5 and Distinctiv Passion, Mike Smith, 4-1. Post time for the Midnight Lute Stakes will be approximately 5:30 p.m. ET. China Jerseys ' ' '