Markus Halsti made his first appearances for DC United on the weekend.

The Finnish midfielder, 31, was signed from Swedish club Malmo prior to the 2015 MLS season but had been sidelined with injury for the first 10 matches.

Halsti debuted for DC in Sunday's 1-0 loss at Philadelphia Union and although his match fitness needs a little work, head coach Ben Olsen was thrilled for the marquee pre-season signing.

"I thought he was great," Olsen told the press.

"He was exactly what we ordered - a guy that knows how to play the game. His passing is good, calm."

Olsen added: "I think that would've helped out the game a little bit more, but overall I'm very pleased.

"His fitness can get better, but of course it can. They were his first minutes in a while."