Thursday, August 16, 2012

Union send disappointing Pajoy to DC for MF Danny Cruz

New Union MF Danny Cruz
Chester, Pa. (The Phanatic Magazine) – The Philadelphia Union have traded forward Lionard Pajoy to D.C. United for midfielder Danny Cruz.

The 22-year-old Cruz was drafted 41st overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the Houston Dynamo. During his time in South Texas, Cruz started 27 of 51 games, compiling four goals and five assists in a total of 2621 minutes.

He enjoyed his best season during the 2011 campaign, scoring a stunning goal at the end of the season against the Portland Timbers to help Houston earn a playoff berth. Cruz also started all four of the Dynamo’s four MLS Cup playoff matches, helping the team to the MLS Cup final before falling to the LA Galaxy 1-0.

In January 2012, Cruz was dealt from Houston to D.C. United in exchange for allocation money.  This season, the 5-foot-8 midfielder started in 12 of 16 games for the Black and Red, notching one goal and three assists.

Cruz was also a member of the United States U-17 National Team, which was led by Union Team Manager John Hackworth and also included current Union players Amobi Okugo, Zac MacMath and Sheanon Williams.  Most recently, he wore the U.S. shirt at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, starting two of three matches played in the tournament.

Signed in February from Itagüí Ditaires of the Colombian first division, Pajoy started in 16 of 20 games for the Union, scoring five goals and adding two assists in 1490 minutes of play.

Cruzl is scheduled to arrive in Philadelphia Thursday night and be eligible for this weekend’s match against D.C. United on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.

No comments: