F.C. Dallas forward Tesho Akindele has turned down a call up from Canada's national team, and instead will join up with the U.S. national team ahead of upcoming friendlies against Colombia and Ireland, a source confirmed to ESPN FC.
Akindele originally agreed to join Canada for their upcoming friendly against Panama, but then backed out once the U.S. expressed interest.
Akindele, who played collegiately at the Colorado School of Mines, has enjoyed an outstanding rookie season with Dallas, amassing eight goals and three assists in 28 league and postseason appearances. The Rookie of the Year candidate notched a hat trick at San Jose back on Aug. 16, and scored his first playoff goal in Dallas' 2-1 win over Vancouver on Oct. 29.
Akindele was born in Calgary, Alberta, but has lived in the U.S. since he was nine. He was reported to be in the process of acquiring U.S. citizenship, but his call up is a strong indication that the process is complete.
The striker spent time earlier in his career with Canada's under-17s but, since he never appeared in official competition for that side, he will not need to file a one-time Change of Association with FIFA.
