D.C. United today announced that captain Dwayne De Rosario and defender Dejan Jakovic have been called to the Canada Men’s National Team for training camp and a friendly against Australia on Oct. 15 in London, England. Both players will depart Oct. 7 and will return following the friendly on Oct. 16.
De Rosario last featured with Canada in September for an international friendly against Mauritania on Sept. 8 in Valencia, Spain. Canada’s most-capped player started and played 65 minutes in the 0-0 draw. Since his senior team debut at 20-years-old in 1998, De Rosario has made 74 appearances with 20 goals, making him the nation’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Acquired from the New York Red Bulls on June 27, 2011, De Rosario went on to be named the 2011 MLS MVP and the Budweiser Golden Boot winner in his first season with the Black-and-Red. In 2012, his first full season with United, De Rosario netted seven goals and added 12 assists. This season, United’s captain has notched three goals and two assists in 18 League games, as well as adding five goals during Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play.
Jakovic was also called up in September to face Mauritania, and the defender started and played all 90 minutes in the 0-0 draw. Earlier this year, Jakovic was named Canada Men’s Soccer Player of the Month for January. Jakovic was also a member of the squad that was called up for Canada’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches last October. Jakovic has appeared in 17 games for his country since 2008.
Jakovic originally signed with D.C. United on Feb. 27, 2009 from Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) and has become one of the team’s longest-tenured players – only teammate Chris Pontius has played for the Black-and-Red longer. Jakovic has anchored the backline for United in 18 games (17 starts) thus far during the 2013 season.
