MLS's Dallas Burn has signed 30-year-old Finn Simo Valakari to fill its playmaking role for the 2004 season.
Valakari, signed with one of its discovery picks, has spent the last four years with Derby County in England, playing 46 matches and scoring three goals.
Previously, he played for Motherwell in the Scottish Premier League for four seasons. Valakari began his professional career with MyPa in Finland.
Valakari has 32 caps for Finland. His most recent appearance was in a 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan on Sept. 6, 2003 in Euro 2004 qualifying.
The Burn also announced that it has waived forward Ali Curtis and defenders Brian Dunseth and Ezra Hendrickson and released 2004 sixth round draft pick Edwin Miranda.
Additionally, the Burn added 2004 fourth-round selection David Wagenfuhr to the 18-man roster.
The move put the Burn at the 18-man roster limit as well as the full six-man complement of developmental players.