VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed today that centre back Christian Dean has been called up to the United States U-23 team and striker Darren Mattocks has been named to Jamaica’s roster for upcoming friendlies.
The US U-23s, headed by men’s national team assistant coach Andi Herzog, continue their preparation towards qualification for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Their nine-day camp will include friendlies against Bosnia’s U-23 side on March 27 in Tuzla, Bosnia & Herzegovina, before travelling to face Denmark on March 31.
Prior to the start of Vancouver’s preseason, Dean spent two weeks in Carson, California as part of the United States January national team camp. The 22-year-old East Palo Alto, California resident also participated in a U-23 October camp in Brasilia, Brazil.
Dean, who was selected third overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, made four MLS regular season appearances for Whitecaps FC, including one start at FC Dallas on September 13, in his rookie season. The 6-foot-3 defender also started both of Vancouver’s matches against Toronto FC in the Amway Canadian Championship semifinals.
The Raggae boyz, leaded by Winfried Schäfer, will play Venezuela on March 27 and then Cuba on March 30. Both friendlies will take place at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Mattocks' most recent appearance for his country was during the 2014 Caribbean Cup, which took place from November 11 to 18 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. In four games, the Portmore, Jamaica native led his side with three goals and helped Jamaica secure their sixth Caribbean Cup title. Mattocks has scored six goals in 20 appearances for his country.
This season, Mattocks has made two substitute appearances for Whitecaps FC. The 24-year-old striker, who was drafted second overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, has scored 17 goals in 75 MLS matches with Vancouver and was the team's top goal scorer during his rookie season.
Dean and Mattocks, as well as midfielder Russell Teibert, who is away with Canada, will all miss Vancouver's next match on March 28 against Portland Timbers at BC Place.
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