Chester, Pa. (February 8, 2012) – Philadelphia Union have signed Colombian forward Lionard Pajoy from Itagüí Ditaires of the Colombian first division, the club announced today. Pajoy has received his P-1 Visa and will join the Union in preseason training in the coming days. Per MLS and Club policy, terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.

Pajoy enjoyed the best season of his career in 2011, leading Itagüí Ditaires in scoring with 13 goals and adding three assists in 27 starts. During Colombia's Clausura championship, held in the second half of the calendar year, Pajoy tallied 10 goals in 18 starts. The 30-year-old struck for a hat trick against Real Cartagena on October 1, 2011.

READ: Gutierrez: Pajoy has talent, character to thrive

For his career, Pajoy has scored 47 goals in 215 appearances since beginning his professional career with Colombian side Cortulua in 2004. Pajoy has featured for a number of other Colombian teams, including Atlético Huila in 2005, Boyacá Chicó in 2006, Cúcuta Deportivo from 2007-2009, Deportivo Cali in 2010, and Millionarios in 2010 before his loan to Itagüí Ditaires.



The 6-1 center forward was a part of Cucuta's 2006 Colombian first division championship squad as well as the club's run to the semifinals of the 2007 Copa Libertadores, where he scored a goal against Montevideo.



The Union begin the 2012 MLS regular season in Portland on March 12 before heading home to re-open PPL Park on March 18 against the Colorado Rapids.

Name: Lionard Pajoy

Pronunciation: Leon-ard Pa-hoy

Number: 23

Position: Forward

Height: 6-1

Weight: 185

Born: June 7, 1981

Birthplace: Villa del Rosario, Norte de Santander, Colombia

Citizenship: Colombia

Last Club: Itagüí Ditaires