Washington, D.C. (February 27, 2009) – D.C. United announced today the club has signed defender Dejan Jakovic. The 23-year old central defender comes to D.C. via a transfer from Red Star Belgrade of the Serbian First Division. He will be officially available upon receipt of his P-Visa.
“We are excited to have concluded the transfer and signing of Dejan,” said United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He possesses excellent technical abilities and has good size and speed. We look forward to having him join us as we enter our final phase of pre-season.”
The 6-foot, 2-inch Jakovic signed with Red Star Belgrade on June 30, 2008, and made three starts during the 2008-09 league campaign and two additional starts in UEFA Cup play.
Originally from Etibicoke, Ontario, Jakovic made his Canada National Team debut on January 30, 2008 when Canada topped Martinique in an international friendly. He was then named to the U-23 Team that participated in the CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament last summer. He played every minute of Canada’s four contests and helped the team to a third place finish. Last fall, he was also called into full National Team camp in preparation for World Cup qualifiers, and was on the 18-man gameday roster for five qualifying games, but did not see the field.
From 2004-2007, Jakovic played at University of Alabama-Birmingham. After being red shirted in 2004, he was named to the All-Conference USA Second Team in 2005 after his freshman season. During his sophomore season, Jakovic played in 18 games (all starts), notching a goal and an assist. For his efforts, he was named to the All-Conference USA First Team and also earned First-Team All-Regions honors. In 2007, despite playing in just 14 games (13 starts), Jakovic led the team with six goals, while also contributing an assist, and again captured First-Team All-Region accolades.
Placer vitals:
Name: Dejan Jakovic
Pronunciation: TBD
Position: Defender
Height: 6-2
Weight: 178
Jersey: TBD
Date of Birth: July 16, 1985
Age: 23
Place of Birth: Karlovac, Croatia
Hometown: Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
Citizenship: Canada
Last Club: Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
Acquired: Signed via a transfer from Red Star Belgrade on February 27, 2009
Status: International
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Doug Hicks,
dhicks@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5448,
Boris Flores,
bflores@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5452,
Kyle Sheldon,
ksheldon@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5450 or
Cristina Cruz,
ccruz@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5440
