Republic FC Sign Attacking Midfielder Pete Pennanen
Dec 7, 2020, 3:58 PM | Updated: Jul 15, 2022, 3:18 pm
Photo via the Sacramento Republic FC
Monday afternoon, the Sacramento Republic FC announced the signing of experienced Finnish attacking midfielder Pete Pennanen. The 30-year-old has 16 years of experience in Finland, Indonesia, Poland and the Netherlands, including appearances on Finland’s youth and senior national teams.
“Pete is a big-time player, and it was clear from our research and from our conversations with him that he epitomizes the indomitable mentality that our club is built upon,” said Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We are confident that his experience and leadership will drive our team forward and raise the level both on and off the field.”
Republic head coach Mark Briggs spoke about his new midfielder in an exclusive interview with KHTK.
“He’s a leader. He’s been a captain everywhere he’s been. He brings with him a wealth of experience but the mentality of a winner. He’s very creative when he has the ball. He gets a lot of assists, he scores a lot of goals, which is exactly what we want. He has the experience & the know-how of finding the right positions in the right moments in the attacking third.”
Although transitioning to a new country, league & club is a significant adjustment, Briggs is confident in Pennanen’s ability and experience.
“For a player to come to a foreign country, it takes time. He’s going to have to adapt, get used to California, get used to the level in America, but he’s experienced. He’s played in a foreign country before so he’ll be a step ahead…I expect him to hit the ground running.”
Pennanen has appeared in 97% of his clubs matches, tallying over 26,000 minutes, 60 goals & 43 assists. In 2019, he led the Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS) of the Finnish Veikkausliiga with 9 assists. The year before, he finished 2nd in goals with 17 for his club.
