The LA Galaxy have proceeded to add more talent to their squad ahead of their MLS opener against the Chicago Fire tonight.
Mika Vayrynen, a Finnish international and Eredivisie veteran, has signed with the Galaxy pending a P-1 Visa and ITC, according to the club’s official website.
The 33-year-old will occupy an international roster spot and provide manager Bruce Arena with maturity in the midfield.
After a trial with the MLS side last month during which he netted the lone goal in LA’s 1-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers, it was clear to the head coach-general manager that Vayrynen would be a advantageous acquisition.
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“Mika is a player that brings additional experience to our midfield,” said Arena. “We saw his abilities during preseason and are confident he can contribute to our team this season. We are happy he will be a part of our group going forward.”
Back in 1999, Vayrynen started his professional soccer at home in Finland, as he featured for FC Lahti before moving to FC Jokerit for part of the 2001 season.
Inter was supposedly looking to add him midway through ’01, but he decided to head off to SC Heerenveen in the Netherlands for more consistent playing time.
Vayrynen made 101 appearances for Heerenveen from 2001-2005 and saw subsequent stints at PSV, Leeds United and HJK Helsinki.
In his 14-year club career, the central midfielder tallied 54 goals in 310 competitions. On the international level, he has made 59 appearances and notched six goals for Finland since his 2002 debut.
Note: Galaxy also welcomed back forward Edson Buddle, “one of only eight players in League history to score over 100 goals”, per LA’s official site.