MLS Sporting Kansas City

Wizards sign Finland International forward Antti Sumiala

Published on September 14, 2005 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release


KANSAS CITY, MO (Wednesday, September 14, 2005) - Kansas City Wizards General Manager Curt Johnson announced today that the team has signed Finland International forward Antti Sumiala to a multi-year contract. Per team and League policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Antti has played at a high level in Europe and with his National Team for many years," said Johnson. "He adds experience and depth to our group of forwards. We welcome him and look forward to his assistance as we set our sights on the 2005 MLS Cup."

Sumiala, 31, is a proven goal scorer with an extensive international resume. He has been a member of some of the top teams in Europe including FC Jazz and Jokerit (Finland), Emmen, NEC Nijmegen and FC Twente (Netherlands), SSV Reutlingen 05 (Germany), Yozgatspor and Sebatspor (Turkey) and IFK Norrkoping (Sweden). He played most recently with FC Vaduz of the Swiss First Division during the 04/05 season where he notched nine goals in 18 matches. He joins Jamaican midfielder Jermaine Hue as the Wizards second signing in the last week.

A native of Pori, Finland, Sumiala has also be a contributor to the Finnish National Team where he has earned 38 caps and scored nine goals. He made his international debut in 1992 at the age of 18 and went on to lead his countrymen in scoring during Qualifying for the 1998 World Cup. He was also a part of the Finland team that took part in qualifying for Euro 2004.

To make room on the 18-man roster, the Wizards waived midfielder Khari Stephenson. Stephenson joined the Wizards in April of 2004 in a trade with the Chicago Fire. He appeared in nine regular season matches, including one start, and appeared in four postseason matches for the Wizards last season, where he scored his only goal as a professional. He was a part of the Wizards developmental roster last season and was added to the senior roster prior to the 2005 season.

The Wizards host U.S. National Team star Landon Donovan and the Galaxy for the first and only time at Arrowhead Stadium this season on Saturday, September 17th at 7:00 p.m. CT. Kansas City will continue their playoff push as they look to solidify a spot in the postseason with five games remaining in the regular season.

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