D.C. United announced today that defender Dejan Jakovic has been called-up to the Canadian National Team for the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Jakovic’s last international selection came in February for a Canadian friendly against Greece.
The 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup will be played in the United States, with the victor earning a place in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil. Canada will participate in Group C of the tournament alongside the United States, Guadeloupe, and Panama. The Reds begin group play at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. on Tuesday, June 7 against the U.S. National Team. The Gold Cup Final will be played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on June 25, 2011. Jakovic will remain with United through the club’s May 29 MLS contest at Portland.
Jakovic has become an increasingly important player for Canada over the past three years, becoming a regular for Stephen Hart’s side in that time. Most recently Jakovic played 90 minutes for his country in Larissa, Greece in a 1-0 friendly loss on February 9. In 2010, Jakovic made appearances in international friendlies against Peru on September 4, Honduras on September 7, and Ukraine on October 8.
The United defender 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 that year 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. Thus far in 2011, Jakovic has started nine matches in 784 minutes of play.
