Marcel de Jong chosen by Canada for international friendly

Marcel de Jong - Canada vs. Belize - September 8, 2015

Sporting Kansas City defender Marcel de Jong was named to Canada's roster on Friday for an international friendly against Ghana at 6:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.


Head coach Benito Floro selected 24 players to face the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up in preparation for Canada's next two FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Nov. 13 and Nov. 17.


"Things are progressing well on all fronts and we now look forward to our next challenges," said Floro. "We will continue to focus on our key objectives and the required performance standards for the team moving into the next stage of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers."


De Jong has 38 career appearances for Canada since his international debut at age 21 in 2007 and the 28-year-old has represented his country at each of the past four CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments. In 2015, de Jong has started in seven matches for Canada -- including each of the national team's past five games -- during which time Canada has conceded only two goals.


Acquired by Sporting Kansas City in March, de Jong has logged 15 appearances across all competitions for the club in his debut season after 10 years playing professionally in Netherlands and Germany. He will be the club's second player to depart for international duty after Saturday's match in Portland; Krisztian Nemeth will join Hungary for UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers.