VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed today that centre back Jay DeMerit underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon.

“Though we’re disappointed to see Jay go out with an injury, his leadership role will continue to be very important to our squad,” said Martin Rennie, Whitecaps FC head coach. “We expect him to make a full recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch.”

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound defender played the first seven minutes of the season opening 1-0 victory over Toronto FC at BC Place before being replaced by newcomer Brad Rusin. DeMerit entered 2013 coming off of an All-Star season in 2012 in which he started 31 of Vancouver’s 32 matches, contributing a goal and an assist to lead the club to its first ever appearance in the MLS Cup playoffs.