FC Edmonton Defender Roberts to Replace Dejan Jakovic for Canadian World Cup Qualifying Camp

June 6, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
FC Edmonton News Release

FC Edmonton defender Mallan Roberts has been named to replace Dejan Jakovic (injury) for Canada's World Cup qualifying camp, beginning June 7 in Orlando, FL. The 23-year-old has played in every minute of the 2015 campaign for Edmonton including both North American Soccer League (NASL) and Amway Canadian Championship (ACC) competition.

"It's absolutely fabulous about Mallan being drafted into the Canadian squad," FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller said. "It's a testament to the progress the young man has made. He has had the opportunity to play beside [FC Edmonton team captain] Albert Watson who has had a big influence on him and he's also developed in his own right. We're proud of Mallan. Hopefully he can make a favourable impression to Benito [Floro, Canadian national team head coach].

Roberts joined FC Edmonton Academy in the summer of 2012 before signing his first professional soccer contract in 2013. He made his FC Edmonton first team debut on April 28, 2013 against San Antonio Scorpions and scored his first goal with the club on June 30 versus Minnesota United FC.

"It's a real testimony to the club with Lance Laing joining the Jamaican squad and now with Mallan," Miller added. "Mallan came through our FC Edmonton academy. Here's what can happen at our academy when given the chance."

Roberts will depart for Orlando Sunday, June 7th to join the Canadian squad, who kick off against Dominica, June 11th in the second CONCACAF Preliminary Round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. The squad concludes the two-leg series at BMO Field in Toronto on June 16th.

FC Edmonton returns to Clarke Field, July 29 against Atlanta Silverbacks.

North American Soccer League Stories from June 6, 2015

• Indy Eleven's Victor Pineda Scores Twice to Down Strikers, 2-1 - Indy Eleven
• RailHawks Draw with Minnesota at WakeMed Soccer Park - North Carolina FC
• Eddies' Comeback Bid Falls Short against Rowdies - FC Edmonton
• Tampa Bay Rowdies Stay Alive in Spring Season Title Race with Win - NASL
• Tampa Bay Rowdies Stay Alive in Spring Race with 2-1 Win over FC Edmonton - Tampa Bay Rowdies
• Scorpions Beat Silverbacks 1-0 in Atlanta - San Antonio Scorpions
• Strikers Drop Spring Season Home Finale - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
• Scorpions Steal Victory in Atlanta - Atlanta Silverbacks
• Minnesota United Draws 1-1 with Carolina - Minnesota United FC
• FC Edmonton Defender Roberts to Replace Dejan Jakovic for Canadian World Cup Qualifying Camp - FC Edmonton
• Strikers Marcelin Included in Haiti's Preliminary Gold Cup Roster - Fort Lauderdale Strikers

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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