Verneri Välimaa Joins OC Blues On Season-Long Loan

Tampa Bay Rowdies midfielder Verneri Välimaa has joined the United Soccer League’s Orange County Blues on a season-long loan, the club announced Thursday.

Now entering his second professional season, Välimaa, 23, reported to the Blues this past Monday after returning from the Rowdies’ preseason trip to England. He made four total appearances in the North American Soccer League in 2015, logging 122 total minutes in his rookie season. Välimaa’s only start of the season came in April on the road against the New York Cosmos.

Orange County kicks off its USL regular season March 25 against Vancouver Whitecaps 2 at UC Irvine’s Anteater Stadium.

The Rowdies wish Välimaa and Orange County the very best this season.