D.C. United defender Dejan Jakovic recalled into Canadian National Team

D.C. United defender Dejan Jakovic has been recalled into the Canadian National Team. Manager Stephen Hart has named Jakovic to his squad ahead of two international friendlies against Peru and Honduras. Canada faces Peru at 5:30 p.m. ET on September 4 at BMO Field in Toronto. On September 7, Hart’s side will play Honduras at 7:30 p.m. ET at Montreal’s Stade Saputo.

Jakovic will miss Saturday’s MLS match against Columbus, but will return to D.C. United ahead of the club’s September 11 contest against Toronto FC at BMO Field.

Jakovic appeared in five games for Canada last year, 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 has six caps for the Canadian national team in his career, making his senior team debut on January 30, 2008 against Martinique.

Jakovic had a breakout first season for D.C. United after signing on Feb. 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 has continued his success with United in 2010, playing in 13 matches (12 starts) and registering 1,084 minutes on the pitch. An early season shoulder injury kept him off the field for the month of May, but since that time Jakovic has been a mainstay in United’s first team lineup.