Philadelphia Union Trade Lionard Pajoy To D.C. United For Danny Cruz

The Philadelphia Union made their first major trade under interim head coach John Hackworth on Thursday, as the organization acquired midfielder Danny Cruz from the D.C. United in exchange for forward Lionard Pajoy. Cruz played for Hackworth as a member of the United States men's under-17 national team in 2007.

Cruz, 22, has appeared in 16 games (12 starts) for United, tallying one goal and three assists. In January, Cruz was dealt to D.C. from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for allocation money. In 2011, Cruz was a big part of the Dynamo's postseason run as he started in all four of their playoff games.

Scott Kessler of The Brotherly Game likes the upside of the trade for the Union.

Great trade by the Union. Despite Pajoy's form under Hackworth, Cruz has a vastly higher ceiling and a better skill set for this team.

Meanwhile, Pajoy made 16 starts for the Union this season, scoring five times and adding two assists. Pajoy was brought in by former Philadelphia headman Peter Nowak, but enjoyed his best run of form under Hackworth after Nowak was ousted.

For more on the Philadelphia Union, check out he SB Nation blog The Brotherly Game.