The offseason gives players a chance to recover after a long year, but it is also when the foundation for the next season is built. This time of year lets players reset physically, sharpen up individually, and prepare for another demanding MLS campaign.
Through our Offseason Check-Ins series, we are catching up with D.C. United players around the world to hear how they are approaching the break, from training plans and personal goals to life off the field. Some remain in Leesburg working at the Inova Performance Complex, while others are spending time abroad as they gear up for the 2026 season.
This week, we checked in with midfielder Matti Peltola, who closed out the 2025 campaign with one of his strongest stretches of the season under newly appointed head coach René Weiler. The 23-year-old Finland international anchored the midfield as a ball-winning, possession-stabilizing presence and continued to show he's a one of the most reliable young defensive midfielders in MLS. Peltola was recently called into Finland’s November friendly against Andorra on November 17, entering the match as a 62nd minute substitute to help Finland secure a 4-0 win. The match also served as the retirement sendoff for Norwich City legend and former Minnesota United striker Teemu Pukki.
Peltola made 26 appearances for D.C. United in 2025 and was one of the team’s most efficient distributors. Among players with at least 20 appearances, he led the team with an 89 percent passing accuracy on 566 total passes, highlighting his composure and dependability in possession. His 64.4 percent accuracy on long balls showcased his range and ability to break lines, while defensively he contributed 44 tackles and 23 interceptions, regularly disrupting opposing attacks and helping stabilize the midfield down the stretch.
Below, Peltola shares how he is approaching the offseason, what life is like back home in Finland, and how he is preparing for an even bigger role with D.C. United in 2025.
How are you balancing your offseason training with everything else you have going on?
“I’m structuring everything around my training. I plan out all the work I need to get done first, then I fit the rest of my life around that without letting anything get in the way of the sessions or the recovery I need between them. I already took my personal holiday right after the season ended, so now it’s time to work.”
What makes being back in Finland special for you during this time of year?
“Haha, honestly in November there isn’t much that makes Finland special besides my family and friends. The weather is rough, it is dark, and you only see the sun for a couple of hours. Soon we will get snow and real cold days and that makes it a bit more special. We do not have many strict routines here, but we celebrate Christmas and Finnish Independence Day on December 6 in our own way.”
You are a big hockey fan, are you keeping up with Washington Capitals while you are home?
“I follow the results, yes, but not the games. The time difference makes it tough and I am not waking up at two or three in the morning to watch; I need my sleep! Lately, I have followed more of the local Finnish hockey, especially HIFK, which is the club I played for growing up.”
How are you staying connected with the guys during the break?
“It is mostly messaging the guys and checking in that way. I did not join the fantasy football league because I thought I would not be able to keep up with it during the offseason. After seeing how much fun it looked, I think I might have made a mistake haha.”
Do you approach the offseason differently after finishing the year so strongly?
“Not really. I am doing everything I can to improve during the offseason and get myself ready mentally and physically for next year. I have always enjoyed the personal work you get to do in this period and this year is no different.”
What are your goals heading into 2026?
“To get better as a player so I can have a strong season individually, but more importantly to be an important part of a winning team. Ending the season in October outside the playoffs cannot happen again.”
Looking back on 2025, what are you most proud of and where do you want to grow?
“One thing I am proud of is how I handled the tough moments this year. I want to keep improving so I can be a consistent and important piece of the team throughout the entire season.”
