The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Dejan Jakovic Signs With Serbia First Division Team
6/30/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
June 30, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former UAB standout Dejan Jakovic has signed with Red Star Belgrade of the Serbian First Division, announced head coach Mike Getman on Monday.
"This is a terrific opportunity for Dejan," Getman said. "I am very happy and excited for him to not only play for one of the top soccer clubs in Serbia, but one of the most successful franchises in all of Europe. He has worked really hard and is very deserving of this opportunity."
Jakovic will close out his career as one of the most decorated athletes to play for the UAB men's soccer program. Last season, he was tabbed to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) first-team All-Region. Jakovic, who was tabbed as a first-team all-region honoree in each of the last two years, is just the third UAB soccer two-time first-team recipient to be honored by the NSCAA. The Etibicoke, Ontario native is also one of eight players in UAB men's soccer history to have earned first-team all-region honors.
Despite battling injuries throughout the season, Jakovic finished the '07 campaign leading UAB in goals (6) and points (13). Jakovic showed the type of player he can be when healthy, as he paced the Blazers to a victory at then-No. 10 Indiana (Sept. 21). In that contest, Jakovic accounted for two goals en route to the 2-1 upset win over the Hoosiers.
Jakovic, who was one of 29 players selected to the preseason MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, also earned a spot on the 2007 first-team All-Conference USA team, marking the second straight year he garnered a spot on the league's first team and the third time in three seasons he was tabbed All-C-USA (earned second team accolades as a freshman).
Jakovic gained international experience when he was selected to participate in the Canadian National Team training camp in mid-January, as the team attempted to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. He played in both of Canada's two contests.
He was later chosen to join the Canadian Olympic Team, where he started and played every minute of Canada's four contests, leading his team to a third-place result.
