January 2013: Jakovic, Matheson named Canada Soccer Players of the Month

Jakovic, Matheson recognized for January performances.

Canada Soccer is pleased to recognize Dejan Jakovic and Diana Matheson as Players of the Month for January 2013.

Jakovic played 90 minutes in both of Canada MNT’s friendlies in January, helping his team keep a clean sheet in 0:0 draw against USA on 29 January in Houston, TX.

The 27-year-old D.C. United defender won praise during the match against the Americans for his composure on the ball and the defensive leadership he demonstrated in organizing a young Canadian back line.

Diana Matheson stepped into the captain’s role for Canada WNT in the absence of Christine Sinclair, wearing the arm band for all 270 minutes of action across three matches as Canada posted a record of 1W-1D-1L at the 2013 Yongchuan Cup in Yongchuan, China.

The 28-year-old Washington Spirit midfielder was her usual tenacious self in midfield for Canada, helping a young WNT squad to a second-place finish at the Yongchuan Cup. Matheson’s passing and quality on the ball was central to Canada’s strong showing at the tournament.

Only Matheson and striker Adriana Leon played 90 minutes in all three matches in China.

Notes:

  • Each month, Canada Soccer will celebrate one male and one female Canadian footballer in recognition of their outstanding performances with country and/or club. The winners will be announced via the Association’s official website, CanadaSoccer.com.

CANADA SOCCER PLAYERS OF THE MONTH
January 2013 – Dejan Jakovic and Diana Matheson
December 2012 – Atiba Hutchinson and Christine Sinclair
November 2012 – Kevin McKenna and Erin McNulty
October 2012 – Atiba Hutchinson and Diana Matheson
September 2012 – Kevin McKenna and Tiffany Cameron
August 2012 – Patrice Bernier and Christine Sinclair
July 2012 – Patrice Bernier and Melissa Tancredi
June 2012 – Julian de Guzman and Diana Matheson
May 2012 – Milan Borjan and Christine Sinclair
April 2012 – Atiba Hutchinson and Alyssa Lagonia
March 2012 – Olivier Occean and Sophie Schmidt
February 2012 – Olivier Occean and Rhian Wilkinson