2017 MLS Expansion Draft 4th pick: Jukka Raitala, defender from Columbus Crew
- Traded to Montreal Impact in exchange for Laurent Ciman
Raitala is an experienced left back who has played in the top leagues in the world. He should battle Waylon Francis for playing time in 2017.
INTERNATIONAL: Raitala’s senior National Team debut came on February 4, 2009 in a friendly match for Finland against Japan. In June of 2011, he played in his first UEFA European Championship qualification match against San Marino. Prior to his senior experience, Raitala had also been part of the Finland youth system, representing his country at the U-17, U-19, and U-21 levels. At the U-21 level, he was a member of the Finnish team that qualified for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship. In 2009, he was named the Finland U-21 Player of the Year.
OUTSIDE MLS: During the 2016 season, he played for Sogndal IL in the Norwegian First Division, where he made 28 appearances, all starts, scoring one goal and providing five assists. Prior to joining Sogndal IL, Raitala made appearances for seven other clubs across Europe, including HJK Helsinki, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, SC Paderborn 07, Osasuna, SC Heerenveen, FC Vestsjælland, and Aalborg BK.
