Canada international Marcel de Jong (pictured) joined the USA's Sporting Kansas City on March 2, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Canada Soccer)
KANSAS CITY, Kansas – Canada international Marcel de Jong has joined Sporting Kansas City, the Major League Soccer club announced Monday.
The 28-year-old defender has earned 31 caps, including seven over the course of three CONCACAF Gold Cups.
“We continue to look to add experience in the players joining our roster,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said. “Marcel’s time in the German Bundesliga and with the Canadian Men’s National Team will bring excellent experience to the team.”
A dual citizen of Canada and Netherlands, de Jong began his youth career with PSV Eindhoven before signing professionally with Helmond Sport in 2004. After two years in the Dutch second division, he joined Roda JC in the top flight Eredivisie in 2006.
De Jong made the move to Germany following four seasons with the Miners, highlighted by a run to the 2007-08 KNVB Cup final, when he signed with FC Augsburg in 2010. His initial season ended with the club’s first-ever promotion to the Bundesliga since the team was founded in 1907.
“I am happy to be here and I am looking forward to a great season with Sporting Kansas City,” de Jong said. “I hope that we can do well and achieve our goals.”
De Jong scored for Canada against Italy in a 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup game in Kerkrade, Netherlands.
