March 18, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB midfielder/forward Dejan Jakovic has solidified himself as a starter on the Canada Under-23 national team, and will help lead his team against the United States team in the semifinal of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament on March 20 in Nashville, Tenn. Jakovic will be a senior for the Blazers next season, and led the team in goals and points a year ago.

In Canada's most recent match against Mexico, Jakovic played the full 90 minutes in helping his team to a 1-1 tie. He also saw plenty of action in the 2-1 loss to Haiti and a 5-0 victory over Guatemala. Canada will now face the United States in a one-game semifinal playoff on March 10 (5 p.m. or 8 p.m.). The winner will not only advance to the March 23 CONCACAF final, but will also qualify for the 2008 Men's Olympic Soccer Tournament in Beijing.

Coincidentally, the UAB men's soccer team will be in Nashville on Thursday morning to take on the University of Louisville in a spring exhibition match at Hendersonville High School. The team will then travel to watch their teammate compete against the United States for the right to go to the 2008 Olympics.

Canada last competed in the Men's Olympic Soccer Tournament at Los Angeles in 1984. They also took part in Montréal in 1976 (as tournament hosts) and were Olympic Champions at St. Louis in 1904.