Washington, D.C. - D.C. United announced today that defender Dejan Jakovic has been recalled into the Canadian National Team. Manager Stephen Hart has named Jakovic to his squad ahead of an international friendly against Greece on February 9, 2011. Canada will face the 2004 European Champions at the A.E.L. FC Arena in Larissa, Greece.
Jakovic will depart United’s preseason training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to participate in the friendly. The defender joins fellow MLS players Dwayne De Rosario from Toronto FC and Real Salt Lake’s Will Johnson. Jakovic has become a mainstay on Canada’s backline in recent years, participating in international friendlies against Peru, Honduras, and Ukraine in 2010.
Jakovic appeared in five games for Canada in 2009, three coming during the summer in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where Canada had a respectable quarterfinal showing. Jakovic also appeared in two international friendlies during 2009, against Guatemala in June and Poland in November. The 25-year-old made his senior team debut for Canada on January 30, 2008 against Martinique.
Jakovic had a breakout first season for D.C. United after signing on February 27, 2009. The Croatian-born defender immediately stepped into the starting centerback role for the Black-and-Red and anchored the defense almost the entire year. Jakovic continued his individual success with United in 2010, playing in 19 matches (18 starts) and registering 1,624 minutes on the pitch.
