Onni Valakari
SDL
Center Midfielder
Center Forward
Box-to-Box
Aug 18, 1999 (27)
Left
6'2"
168 lb
Assist in start
Valakari assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and three chances created in Wednesday's 3-3 draw versus Houston Dynamo.
Analysis: Valakari did not return to San Diego's starting XI last Saturday, as he earned that opportunity in the team's midweek game instead. The international break has not stopped him from being in good form since late-August, with three G/A (one goal, two assists) across his last seven appearances to back him up.
Available after Finland duty
Valakari is back in contention for Saturday's MLS clash against New York Red Bulls after completing his international commitments with Finland, with the midfielder absent from San Diego FC's latest injury report.
Analysis: Valakari returns to San Diego after missing the previous league fixture against Austin due to his international call-up. The Finnish international has been a regular presence in the starting lineup this season, contributing four goals and four assists across 25 MLS appearances, including 24 starts. His versatility allows him to operate both in midfield and further forward, providing San Diego with additional attacking options.
Linking up with Finnish NT
Valakari has been called up by Finland for the September-October international break and will therefore miss Saturday's clash against Austin, returning for the match against NYRB on October 10.
Analysis: Valakari has been a regular starter for San Diego this season in both the midfield and attack, scoring four goals and providing four assists in 25 MLS appearances (24 starts). He will miss Saturday's clash against Austin due to the call up but and will likely be replaced by Marcus Ingvartsen as the number nine during his absence.
Assists against San Jose
Valakari assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-2 loss against San Jose Earthquakes.
Analysis: Valakari created Anders Dreyer's goal in the 42nd minute with his fourth assist in the season, but couldn't help San Diego avoid the home loss. The midfielder had a pretty quiet outing stat-wise other than that. He started in all but one of his 23 appearances in 2026.
Scores opener Saturday
Valakari scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-0 win over Colorado Rapids.
Analysis: Valakari opened up the scoring in Saturday's victory, an unassisted strike in the 27th minute. It marked his fourth goal of the season but his first since March 15. The goal came on his lone shot in the match before he was subbed off in the 67th minute for Marcus Ingvartsen.
Two tackles in defeat
Valakari had two shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Colorado Rapids.
Analysis: Valakari registered two shots (one on target) and two tackles across Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at Colorado, contributing at both ends of the pitch in a midfield role that required consistent pressing and ball-winning throughout the match. The Finland international has now recorded three goals and three assists in 16 MLS appearances this season, providing San Diego with a valuable secondary source of attacking production from midfield. His ability to contribute defensively while arriving in dangerous attacking positions should continue to make him an important piece of San Diego's midfield for the remainder of the Western Conference campaign.
Sets up opening goal
Valakari had an assist while creating two chances during Wednesday's 5-0 win over Austin.
Analysis: Valakari set up David Vazquez after just eight minutes to assist the opening goal of the match. The midfielder has assists in two straight starts while combining for two shots, four chances created and six tackles over his last three matches.
Logs an assist
Valakari assisted once to go with one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Seattle Sounders FC.
Analysis: The midfielder was credited with an assist but he didn't do much outside of that, creating only two chances and sending in just one cross. Valakari will need more volume for San Diego to have good results against Austin FC, even though the team has been conceding goals frequently. Austin has alllowed 19 goals in 11 MLS games prior to Sunday's clash with Minnesota.
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