Burn sign Valakari

The 30-year-old, has a wealth of playing experience, both with the national team of Finland as well as with clubs in Scotland, Finland and England.

To acquire Valakari, The Burn used Major League Soccer's Discovery process, meaning the team still has one major player allocation in its possession.

"Since the end of last season, we have been searching for an experienced central midfielder who will organise the centre of the park and allow our other midfielders to get forward and create," said Burn manager Colin Clarke. "Simo has played at both the top international and club levels, and will bring a great deal of leadership to the team.

"He is a complete professional in his approach to the game and in his play."

Valakari has spent the last four years with Derby County in England, with the first two years in The Premiership and the last two seasons in the First Division. In his four years at Derby, he played in 46 matches and scored three goals.

Prior to joining Derby, Valakari played for Motherwell in the Scottish Premier Division from 1996-2000. In his four years with Motherwell, he played in 103 matches. Valakari began his professional career with MyPa in Finland, playing in 48 matches and netting five goals.

Valakari has 32 caps with the Finland national team, making his debut on April 30, 1995. His most recent appearance with the national side was in a 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan on September 6, 2003 in a Euro 2004 qualifying match.

Meanwhile, the club announced that they have waived forward Ali Curtis and defenders Brian Dunseth and Ezra Hendrickson and released 2004 sixth round draft pick Edwin Miranda. Additionally, the Burn officially added 2004 fourth round selection David Wagenfuhr to the 18-man squad.

These moves, coupled with today's announcement of the signing of midfielder Simo Valakari, put The Burn at the 18-man roster limit as well as the full six-man complement of developmental players.