Tuesday notes: Jakovic recalled by Canada

UNITED READY FOR U.S. OPEN CUP SEMIFINAL

On Wednesday night D.C. United will take on the Columbus Crew at 7:30 p.m. inside RFK Stadium in a crucial U.S. Open Cup semifinal. The importance of this match cannot be overstated, with a shot at the Open Cup final on the line alongside a place in the 2011 CONCACAF Champions League. The Black-and-Red had a light training session this morning after a long flight back to Washington from Los Angeles on Monday.

Following today's session, United Interim Head Coach Ben Olsen offered up his thoughts on Wednesday's match. "There is a big reward at the end of this if we can win tomorrow, and who knows what will happen in the final," said Olsen. "We've got the guys and our mentality is right. I think we all realize the importance of this game for the club, and it is important that we put on a good performance."

United's leader continues, "It has been a tough year - we have all struggled. It's not been fun, and here is a chance to get into a final and raise a trophy - something that this club has always prided itself on. So tomorrow is huge, this is the biggest game we have had this season."

The Black-and-Red face Columbus twice this week - once in the Open Cup and again on Saturday, September 4 at RFk Stadium in MLS play. Saturday's contest is also set to begin at 7:30 p.m. Should United win Wednesday's match, the club will advance to its third final in as many years. In the other semifinal, Seattle Sounders FC plays host to Chivas USA at Starfire Sports Complex tomorrow night. If Seattle claims that contest, United would head to Qwest Field for a second time in 2010. Conversely, if Chivas wins the Los Angeles club will fly to RFK Stadium for the 2010 U.S. Open Cup final.

JAKOVIC RECALLED BY CANADA

Dejan Jakovic becomes the third United player in the last week to receive an international call-up, as the starting central defender was named to Canada's roster for the country's impending friendlies against Peru and Honduras. Branko Boskovic is already back in his native Montenegro preparing for his nation's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Wales and Bulgaria. Similarly, Conor Shanosky is heading to Peru to feature for Thomas Rongen's United States U-20 side in the 2010 Internacional Quadrangular.

Jakovic has been a mainstay of the Canadian national team system since early 2008, when the centerback made his senior team debut on January 30 against Martinique. During the 2009 Gold Cup he made three appearances for Canada, playing against Jamaica, El Salvador, and Honduras. On September 4 Canada plays host to Peru at BMO Field in Toronto, and on September 7 Jakovic will be in Montreal when the Canadians welcome Honduras to the Stade Saputo (Home of Montreal Impact).

Said Jakovic about being recalled to the national team, "It is always an honor to play for Canada. I love going up there to represent my country and see all the guys. I am really looking forward to these friendlies."