Training camp is only two weeks old for Dejan Jakovic and the rest of D.C. United, but the 25-year-old defender will break camp for a few days and head to Greece to meet up with the Canadian national team.
The Canucks will clash with the Pirate Ship on Feb. 9 in Larissa, Greece. For Jakovic, getting named to the 18-man roster was exciting.
“It’s always an honor to represent your country,” he told MLSsoccer.com over the phone. “I’m looking forward to it, it’s going to be a great game.”
His long trip to Greece starts on Saturday, as he’ll connect through Rome and eventually meet up with the rest of the Canadian team before arriving in Larissa.
Next Wednesday’s game will give the central defender a chance to prove to Canadian manager Stephen Hart that he is worthy of a ninth cap and also stake his claim for a roster spot for June’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Jakovic last played for Canada in the fall, starting and playing 90 minutes in a 2-2 draw against Ukraine in Kiev on Oct. 8. He’s looking forward to the experience of another international-level match.
“Obviously, when you play these friendlies, you get a great experience,” Jakovic said. “I think Greece is going to be a good test for us.”
When he meets up with the rest of the Canadian side, he’ll be one of three MLS representatives – Dwayne De Rosario and Will Johnson being the others – looking to crack the starting lineup.
