Finnish international brings substantial European experience to Armada roster

Armada FC Public Relations | Dec. 21, 2015

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Armada FC continued to build its 2016 roster on Monday with the addition of former Finland Men’s National Team member and Bundesliga champion Pekka Lagerblom (PEK-uh LOG-er-bloom).

Lagerblom, a versatile and experienced midfielder, brings more than 10 years of European league experience to the Armada, which includes Bundesliga and German Cup titles in 2004 with Werder Bremen. A native of Lahti, Finland, he was also a member of the Finland National Team from 2003-06, recording 12 caps. Lagerblom comes to Jacksonville after playing with his hometown club, FC Lahti of the top Finnish division, Viekkausliiga, in 2015.

"In Pekka we add more experience to our midfield who has played in one of the biggest leagues in the world and won a title and cup with Werder Breman,” said Armada FC head coach and technical director Tony Meola. “After flying Pekka to Jacksonville to speak face-to-face with him, it became clear that he wanted to be in an Armada jersey. We have added another leader to our team."

Lagerblom, 33, began his professional career in 2003 with FC Lahti. Following an impressive two years, where he scored 13 goals in 55 appearances with the club, he made the move to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen. In 2005, he made 11 appearances on loan with 1. FC Nürnberg before transferring to 1. FC Köln the following summer, where he scored one goal in 27 appearances. He also played for other German clubs, Alemannia Aachen, FSV Frankfurt, VfB Stuttgart II, and RB Leipzig between 2007 and 2012.

In 2013, he made the returned to the top flight of Finnish soccer, signing with IFK Mariehamn, where he made 21 appearances. Lagerblom then spilt the following season between Norwegian side Hamarkamratene (HamKam) and Swedish side Ånge IF before returning FC Lahti in 2015.

The Armada FC will announce additional signings in the coming days.