DC is in the process of signing Finnish international Matti Peltola, 21. Peltola can play center back and defensive midfield.
Peltola. 6’1”, was born in Espoo, Finland, in the western suburbs of Helsinki. He came up through the youth ranks of HJK Helsinki and played his first game with the main team in 2019.
HJK Helsinki has won the championship of the Finnish Veikkausliga (their top division) in each of the last 3 seasons, as well as the Finnish League Cup in 2023. HJK Helsinki has also played in UEFA Champions League qualifying the last 3 years (failing in all 3), the UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Europa Conference League.
Peltola has also played 4 games for Finnish national teams; the U16,U17,U18,U21, and most recently 4 games for the main national team (including European Championship qualifiers).
Welcome, Matti.
In other news of 2024, head coach Troy Lesesne has hired 3 assistant coaches:
Zach Prince, who was on his staff at second-division New Mexico United and the New York Red Bulls.
Alex Martinez, from second-tier Birmingham Legion. Martinez played for the Charlotte Independence when Lesesne coached there, as well as for Sporting KC.
Cody Mizell, who was a goalkeeper at NYCFC, and has now retired and become DC’s goalkeeping coach.
Welcome to all three.
Preseason has begun; DC is in Saudi Arabia until early February. Opening day is February 24 at home against New England.
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