DCU international preview

No MLS match for D.C. United this week? No problem. With five players called into their various national teams, there is plenty of Black-and-Red action to keep you busy through the weekend. Unfortunately Dejan Jakovic will miss Canada's 2014 World Cup qualifiers through injury, and there is a lot on the line for the Reds as Dwayne De Rosario and company look to qualify for their first World Cup since 1986.

Below we outline this weekend's fixtures, complete with TV information and notes relevant to United's fortunes. With the MLS Cup Playoff race to be decided over the next two months, these international matchups will play an important role in the form United's key players as the team approaches the final stetch of its 2011 campaign.

UNITED STATES vs COSTA RICA (friendly)

Jurgen Klinsmann's adjustment period as United States Head Coach continues on the West Coast, as the U.S. National Team hosts Costa Rica in an international friendly at the Home Depot Center. 20-year-old United Academy product Bill Hamid earns his second international call-up, while midfielder Chris Pontius makes his first U.S. matchday roster.

Said Pontius of representing his country, "It means a great deal, because it's something you have to work so hard for and it takes a lot of time. I've put the work in, and hopefully I get the opportunity to get out there."

Following the Costa Rica friendly, the U.S. National Team travels to Brussels to take on Belgium in another exhibition on September 6 (2:30 p.m. ET/ESPN). Pontius and Hamid will both be available for United's next MLS match at Chivas USA on September 10.

CANADA vs ST. LUCIA (World Cup qualifier)

Dwayne De Rosario leads Canada into 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying against St. Lucia at Toronto FC's BMO Field. When the match begins, De Rosario and teammate Kevin McKenna will become just the tenth and eleventh players in Canadian history to represent their nation in four World Cup qualiying cycles. United's Pat Onstad was another such player. Stage 2 of CONCACAF qualifying allows only the group winner to advance to stage 3, so De Rosario and company will aim for three points this evening before heading to Puerto Rico on September 6.

HONDURAS vs COLOMBIA (friendly)

The most intriuging of United's international selections, Andy Najar's inclusion in the Honduran National Team signals the completion of a long journey for the talented winger. At only 17-years-old, Najar became the youngest Rookie of the Year in Major League Soccer history, fueling a debate about his international leanings.

This debate was external in nature only, as Najar always wanted to represent his home nation in international competetiton. If called upon, it will be interesting to see how he is deployed. While a naturally gifted midfield player, Najar has featured successfully at every position bar goalkeeper in various competitions for United. If Najar does play at Red Bull Arena, he will receive a stern test from the likes of Atlético Madrid's Radamel Falcao and Wigan frontman Hugo Rodallega. One interesting note - Falcao recently broke the single season record for the most goals in UEFA competition (17), beating the old mark set by former Bayern Munich striker Jurgen Klinsmann.