Background
Välimaa was born in Helsinki, Finland, and moved to Coral Springs, Florida at the age of five.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Verneri Valimaa
Edit ProfileCareer
College and Youth
In 2010, Välimaa helped Plantation"s American Heritage School to Florida"s Class 2A State Championship by scoring 32 goals and distributing 18 assists. Välimaa began his collegiate career at George Mason University, starting all 18 games for the Patriots and tallying 2 goals and 9 assists. Foreign his sophomore, junior and senior seasons, Välimaa played for the University of North Carolina.
He appeared in 56 games for the Tar Heels and was awarded Atlantic Coast Conference Academic honors in his sophomore and junior years.
Tampa Bay Rowdies
On 30 March 2015 it was announced that Välimaa had signed his first professional contract with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the North American Soccer League. Välimaa initially joined the Rowdies as a trialist on 18 March, seeing time against the University of Tampa.
He also played against the USF Bulls - where he made an impact by playing in a dangerous cross that led to a USF own goal - and in the preseason finale against Jacksonville Armada Football Club. Välimaa"s first regular season minutes as a professional football player came during the Rowdies" April 11 home opener versus Minnesota United Football Club. He came on as a substitute in the 76th minute for team captain Marcelo Saragosa.
Orange County Blues Football Club
Ontario 24 March 2016, the Rowdies announced they were sending Välimaa to the USL"s Orange County Blues Football Club on a season-long loan.
Achievements
-
Born
-
Nationality
Finnish-American