Chester, Pa. (August 16, 2012) – Philadelphia Union today announced that the club has acquired midfielder Danny Cruz from D.C. United in exchange for forward Lionard Pajoy. Cruz will arrive in Philadelphia tonight and be eligible for this weekend’s match against D.C. United on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. (NBC Sports/SportsRadio 610 WIP).

Cruz, 22, was drafted 41st overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the Houston Dynamo. During his time with the Dynamo, 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. He 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 traded from Houston to D.C. United in exchange for allocation money. This season, the 5-8 midfielder started in 12 of 16 games for the Black and Red, notching one goal and three assists.

Cruz also was 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.

Name: Danny Cruz

Pronunciation: Danny Cruise

Number: 44

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-8

Weight: 170

Born: January 3, 1990

Birthplace: Petersburg, Virginia

Citizenship: United States

Last Club: D.C. United