Toronto FC announced Tuesday that the club has acquired allocation money from D.C. United in exchange for midfielder Luis Silva.

“Luis Silva is a fine player and an outstanding young man and this was a tough decision. But we are bringing in new attacking talent this window and Luis' playing time would likely suffer,” said Toronto FC President and General Manager Kevin Payne. “This move helps give us more flexibility now and for the future. We wish Luis nothing but the best.”

Silva, 24, was originally selected fourth overall in the 2012 MLS Entry Draft from the University of California Santa Barbara. He made 54 combined appearances, scoring seven goals across MLS league play, CONCACAF Champions League, and the Amway Canadian Championship.