SB Nation DC - D.C. United Vs. Philadelphia Union: Wild Ending To 1-1 Draw At RFKhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48897/dc-fave.png2012-08-20T09:39:48-04:00http://dc.sbnation.com/rss/stream/30120112012-08-20T09:39:48-04:002012-08-20T09:39:48-04:00MLS Standings 2012: United In 5th Place After Tie With Union
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<p><a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> bounced back from a tough loss against the <a href="https://www.massivereport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Columbus Crew</a> and played to a draw with the Philadelphia Union on Sunday.</p>
<p>In what was a very chippy and card-filled match, United was able to secure a point despite the disappointment of not getting three. Dwayne de Rosario had the points on his foot in the 89th minute but missed a penalty kick. (He scored on his first attempt, but encroachment was called.)</p>
<p>D.C. will also be without defender <span>Emiliano Dudar</span> on Wednesday for its match against the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Fire</a>, due to his receiving of a red card in extra time.</p>
<p>With the dust finally settling, United remains in a playoff spot by their collective fingernails with 37 points. D.C. is in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, trailing Chicago by four points with a game-in-hand.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Montreal Impact</a> are in sixth with 36 points, but have played four matches more than United.</p>
<p><i>For more on D.C. United, please be sure to check out our blog <a href="http://blackandredunited.com">Black And Red United</a> along with <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com">SB Nation DC</a> for all the latest news and updates.</i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/8/20/3255159/2012-major-league-soccer-standingsMatt Verderame2012-08-19T19:51:06-04:002012-08-19T19:51:06-04:00VIDEO: D.C. United Vs. Philadelphia Union: Mark Geiger's Terrible Afternoon
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<p>Sunday's <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> match against the Philadelphia Union was refereed by Mark Geiger, who took charge of two men's soccer games during the recent London Olympics. Judging by his performance Sunday, Geiger (whom Wikipedia says is a math teacher at a high school in New Jersey in his spare time) might want to get on the next flight back to London.</p>
<p>In the interest of full disclosure, we should point out that there was a chippiness to this game which would have made it difficult for anybody to have an afternoon completely free of controversy. But there's no denying that Geiger got several key decisions wrong in the second half before finally losing control of the match.</p>
<p><b>Exhibit A</b>: This <span>Nick DeLeon</span> goal is called back for an overprotective foul against Zac MacMath. To us, it looks like <span>Hamdi Salihi</span> is making a play for a loose ball, which he has every right to do.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p><b>Exhibit B:</b> The penalty. Dwayne de Rosario thinks he's scored to put United in front 2-1. Geiger calls encroachment against <span>Chris Pontius</span>, something which happens on, by our conservative estimate, nine out of every ten PKs at all levels of soccer.</p>
<p>In the ensuring skirmish, United's <span>Branko Boskovic</span> gets himself sent off. Now, pushing and shoving might have resulted even if the penalty had stood, but there's no question that Geiger's decision only added fuel to the fire. Naturally, <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-08-19-dc-v-phi/highlights?videoID=197226">D</a><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-08-19-dc-v-phi/highlights?videoID=197226">e Rosario missed the re-take</a>.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p><b>Exhibit C: </b>Sending off No. 2. There's a little bit of gray area here. Tackles from behind are rightly frowned upon, and <span>Emiliano Dudar</span> did deserve some discipline. A straight red card, though?</p>
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<p>So there you have it. The British would say that Mark Geiger had a terrible day at the office. D.C. United coach Ben Olsen phrased it another way.</p>
<p><a href="<blockquote%20class=%22twitter-tweet%22><p>Olsen:%20%22It%20was%20the%20Geiger%20show%22%20<a%20href=%22https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23MLS%22><s>#</s><b>MLS</b></a></p>%E2%80%94%20Steven%20Goff%20(@SoccerInsider)%20<a%20href=%22https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/237332468766752769%22%20data-datetime=%222012-08-19T23:37:24+00:00%22>August%2019,%202012</a></blockquote>%20<script%20src=" charset='"utf-8"></script>"'></a></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Olsen: "It was the Geiger show" <a href="https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23MLS"><s>#</s><b>MLS</b></a></p>
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/237332468766752769" data-datetime="2012-08-19T23:37:24+00:00">August 19, 2012</a>
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<p>And D.C. United President Kevin Payne had yet another word for it.</p>
<p><a href="<blockquote%20class=%22twitter-tweet%22><p>Kevin%20Payne%20on%20retaken%20PK:%20It's%20a%20high%20school%20call</p>%E2%80%94%20Steven%20Goff%20(@SoccerInsider)%20<a%20href=%22https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/237332522420293632%22%20data-datetime=%222012-08-19T23:37:37+00:00%22>August%2019,%202012</a></blockquote>%20<script%20src=" charset='"utf-8"></script>"'></a></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Kevin Payne on retaken PK: It's a high school call</p>
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/237332522420293632" data-datetime="2012-08-19T23:37:37+00:00">August 19, 2012</a>
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<p>Well-respected <i>Sports Illustrated </i>soccer writer Grant Wahl phrased it another way.</p>
<p><a href="<blockquote%20class=%22twitter-tweet%22><p>Coming%20off%20vacation%20ever%20so%20briefly%20to%20marvel%20at%20the%20shocker%20MLS%20referee%20Mark%20Geiger%20just%20had%20in%20DC-Philly.</p>%E2%80%94%20Grant%20Wahl%20(@GrantWahl)%20<a%20href=%22https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/status/237328549336465408%22%20data-datetime=%222012-08-19T23:21:50+00:00%22>August%2019,%202012</a></blockquote>%20<script%20src=" charset='"utf-8"></script>"'></a></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Coming off vacation ever so briefly to marvel at the shocker MLS referee Mark Geiger just had in DC-Philly.</p>
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/status/237328549336465408" data-datetime="2012-08-19T23:21:50+00:00">August 19, 2012</a>
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<p>Yup, just one of those days.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on the United, head over to <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #093369; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/">Black And Red United</a>. For all things soccer, visit SB Nation's <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #093369; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer">Soccer hub</a>.</i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/8/19/3254211/video-dc-united-philadelphia-union-mark-geiger-red-card-branko-boskovicSamuel Chamberlain2012-08-19T19:29:41-04:002012-08-19T19:29:41-04:00D.C. United Vs. Philadelphia Union Recap: Own Goal, Missed Penalty Leads to Draw
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<p><a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> and the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> played to a 1-1 tie in RFK Stadium Sunday night. The Union's <span>Brian Carroll</span> scored in the eighth minute and despite a number of chances on both sides, that held until an own goal by <span>Amobi Okugo</span> in the 71st minute.</p>
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<p>United saw a huge opportunity slip away, as they were given a penalty kick after <span>Chris Pontius</span> drew a foul in the box. <span>Dwayne De Rosario</span> knocked in the kick, but encroachment was called and a second kick was taken after a scuffle between the two sides. The second kick was missed.</p>
<p><span>Freddy Adu</span> made the defensive play of the night, with a header save off the line on a corner kick after the ball got past Union goalie <span>Zac MacMath</span> just before the halftime whistle. The United dominated the action, with 20 attempts on goal to the Union's 10. They also won the possession battle 60% to 40%.</p>
<p>The match was chippy, especially towards the end. Five yellow cards were issued in total. Two United players were sent off in the final minutes, as <span>Branko Boskovic</span> and <span>Emiliano Dudar</span> were both shown red cards.</p>
<p>With the point, United move into the fifth in the Eastern Conference Standings, breaking a tie with the <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Montreal Impact</a>.</p>
<p><i>For more on United, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/">Black And Red United</a>. For all things soccer, visit SB Nation's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer">Soccer hub</a>.</i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/8/19/3254088/dc-united-philadelphia-union-score-update-game-recapCraig Powers2012-08-19T18:13:35-04:002012-08-19T18:13:35-04:00D.C. United Vs. Philadelphia Union: United Behind After Brian Carroll Goal
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a> are on the verge of a second straight loss and fourth in their last five after <span>Brian Carroll's</span> 8th-minute goal put the Philadelphia Union in front, 1-0 at halftime Sunday afternoon at RFK Stadium. </p>
<p>Carroll's goal came after United failed to clear a free kick by Freddy Adu. At one point, the ball took a wicked deflection off the head of <span>Perry Kitchen</span> and bounced right to Carroll, who prodded the ball past <span>Bill Hamid</span> while standing right at the near post.</p>
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<p>United almost equalized a couple of minutes later, but Lionard Pajoy's header from a <span>Dwayne De Rosario</span> corner kick was tipped over the bar by Zac MacMath. Pajoy and <span>Danny Cruz</span> started for United and Philadelphia just three days after being swapped for each other in a trade that caught many MLS observers off guard. </p>
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<p>United very nearly pulled even again with the last action of the half, but Adu was able to clear the chance off the line with his head. </p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on the DC United, visit <a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/" target="_blank" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #093369; font-weight: bold;">Black and Red United</a> and <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #093369; font-weight: bold;">SB Nation DC.</a> For the Philadelphia point of view, check out <a href="http://brotherlygame.com">Brotherly Game</a><b>. </b></i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/8/19/3254070/dc-united-philadelphia-union-haltime-score-updateSamuel Chamberlain2012-08-19T14:00:12-04:002012-08-19T14:00:12-04:00D.C. United Vs. Philadelphia Union Game Time, TV Schedule, And More
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<p>Washington has not lost in RFK Stadium since a 1-0 outing against <a href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sporting Kansas City</a> on March 10. Since then, United have gone on an impressive 8-0-2 run at their home on East Capitol Street, something that has put them in contention for a berth in the MLS playoffs for the first time since 2007.</p>
<p class="p1">Such a berth is far from guaranteed, though, as United have upcoming matches against Chicago, New York, Montreal and Salt Lake to test their mettle and legitimize their playoff contention. First though, the Philadelphia Union, who travel to Washington to face D.C. United at 5:00 p.m. at RFK Stadium on the NBC Sports Network.</p>
<p class="p1">The Union has struggled on the road this season, amassing just a 2-7-1 record outside of Philadelphia. This, and D.C.'s recent acquiring of forward <span>Lionard Pajoy</span> from -- of all places -- Philadelphia, seem to favor United in this match at home heading into a particularly brutal stretch of the club's schedule.</p>
<p class="p1">Working against Washington, though, is a rash of injuries, including those to defenders <span>Robbie Russell</span> (foot) and <span>Daniel Woolard</span> (concussion). Also with a foot injury is forward <span>Maicon Santos</span>, the person whose minutes Lionard Pajoy should absorb in his new role.</p>
<p class="p1">Given the circumstances though, United head coach Ben Olsen <a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/dc-united-philadelphia-union/2012/08/18/28d9a3e8-e963-11e1-9739-eef99c5fb285_story.html">seems cautiously optimistic</a> about D.C.'s chances both today and in the immediate future.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We could be in better health to get through this stretch, but that doesn’t matter. We have to find a way to make sure we’re picking up points to put ourselves in a good spot. We’ve got to make it work.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>For more on DC United, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackandredunited.com">Black and Red United</a> and <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com">SB Nation DC.</a></i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/8/19/3253222/dc-united-philadelphia-union-preview-time-tv-info-moreBob Lynch2012-08-17T10:47:52-04:002012-08-17T10:47:52-04:00PHOTO: Frustrated D.C. United Fans Engage In Wikipedia Vandalism
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<p>At first glance, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United's</a> trade for <span>Lionard Pajoy</span> of the Philadelphia Union is a bit of a head-scratcher. Even allowing for the fact that United is desperate to not only return to the playoffs, but make a run at the MLS Cup, trading a 22-year-old midfielder for a hit-or-miss 31-year-old striker might seem to be too desperate by half. </p>
<p>We should note that not everyone feels this way. Here's what Martin Shatzer had to say at SB Nation's D.C. United blog, Black And Red United. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>Cruz was a popular player for his work rate and attitude, and rightfully so. But we need to keep the end goal in sight. The goal isn't to have the most likeable team, is it? The goal is to win the MLS Cup. If [D.C. United head coach Ben] Olsen thinks this gets us any bit closer to that goal, it's worth it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Naturally, not everyone agrees with Martin, as the photo that you're about to see shows. </p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1302594/A0cJAvQCMAATlhU.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="A0cjavqcmaatlhu_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1302594/A0cJAvQCMAATlhU_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>OK, then. (Via <a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/2012/8/16/3247598/some-d-c-united-fans-werent-happy-with-the-danny-cruz-lionard-pajoy">Brotherly Game</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/philanova06">@Philanova06</a>)</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/8/17/3249413/photo-dc-united-danny-cruz-trade-wikipedia-vandalismSamuel Chamberlain2012-08-16T18:08:50-04:002012-08-16T18:08:50-04:00Danny Cruz Trade Reaction: 'I Didn't Expect It This Morning'
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United's</a> trading of <span>Danny Cruz</span> to the Philadelphia Union in exchange for striker <span>Lionard Pajoy</span> took many people by surprise, not least Cruz himself, who spoke to the <i>Washington Post</i>'s Steve Goff following the announcement of the trade. </p>
<p><a href="<blockquote%20class=%22twitter-tweet%22><p>Just%20spoke%20with%20Cruz:%20%22I%20wasn't%20playing%20much,%20I%20was%20obviously%20unhappy,%20but%20didn't%20ask%20for%20trade.%20I%20didn't%20expect%20it%20this%20morning%22%20<a%20href=%22https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23dcu%22><s>#</s><b>dcu</b></a>%20<a%20href=%22https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23mls%22><s>#</s><b>mls</b></a></p>%E2%80%94%20Steven%20Goff%20(@SoccerInsider)%20<a%20href=%22https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/236165746047193088%22%20data-datetime=%222012-08-16T18:21:16+00:00%22>August%2016,%202012</a></blockquote>%20<script%20src=" charset='"utf-8"></script>"'></a></p>
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<p>Just spoke with Cruz: "I wasn't playing much, I was obviously unhappy, but didn't ask for trade. I didn't expect it this morning" <a href="https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23dcu"><s>#</s><b>dcu</b></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23mls"><s>#</s><b>mls</b></a></p>
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/236165746047193088" data-datetime="2012-08-16T18:21:16+00:00">August 16, 2012</a>
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<p><a href="<blockquote%20class=%22twitter-tweet%22><p>Cruz:%20%22I'm%20thankful%20to%20DC,%20no%20ill-will.%20Excited%20to%20join%20Philly%20with%20their%20unbelievable%20fan%20base%22%20Driving%20up%20today,%20return%20to%20DC%20Sat/Sun</p>%E2%80%94%20Steven%20Goff%20(@SoccerInsider)%20<a%20href=%22https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/236166055888838657%22%20data-datetime=%222012-08-16T18:22:30+00:00%22>August%2016,%202012</a></blockquote>%20<script%20src=" charset='"utf-8"></script>"'></a></p>
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<p>Cruz: "I'm thankful to DC, no ill-will. Excited to join Philly with their unbelievable fan base" Driving up today, return to DC Sat/Sun</p>
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/236166055888838657" data-datetime="2012-08-16T18:22:30+00:00">August 16, 2012</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/236162430957400064">Goff had earlier tweeted</a> that Cruz had been upset at a dropoff in playing time as this season had gone along. </p>
<p>Over at SB Nation's D.C. United blog <a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/">Black and Red United</a>, reaction to the trade was more ambiguous. </p>
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<p>Cruz was considered one of the best "locker room guys" on a tight-knit squad, and following the Olympics Najar had drawn some interest from European clubs. On a team that can be a bit soft defensively, Cruz adds bite and fearlessness that few in MLS can match ... However, Pajoy's resume and performance have left some observers (including yours truly) skeptical. Consider MLSsoccer's headline: "Philadelphia deal struggling Pajoy to DC United for Cruz."</p>
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<p>Some United fans were even less enthused by the trade, as <a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/2012/8/16/3247598/some-d-c-united-fans-werent-happy-with-the-danny-cruz-lionard-pajoy">this Wikipedia screenshot</a> from SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog <a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/">Brotherly Game</a> shows. Cruz and Pajoy will be available for selection by their respective new bosses in Sunday afternoon's meeting between the rivals, which can be seen on NBC Sports Network, with kickoff at 5:00 p.m.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on D.C. United, visit </i><a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: #ffffff; color: #093369; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;" href="http://blackandredunited.com/">Black And Red United</a><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">. For the Philadelphia perspective, check out </i><a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: #ffffff; color: #093369; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;" href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/">Brotherly Game</a><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">. And for more on the beautiful game, check out </i><a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: #ffffff; color: #093369; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer">SB Nation's soccer hub</a><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">.</i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/8/16/3247975/danny-cruz-trade-reaction-dc-united-philadelphia-union-lionard-pajoySamuel Chamberlain2012-08-16T14:13:17-04:002012-08-16T14:13:17-04:00D.C. United Trades Danny Cruz To Philadelphia Union For Lionard Pajoy
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<p>Three days before D.C. United and the Philadelphia Union are scheduled to meet at RFK Stadium, the two sides made a trade. </p> <p>Three days before <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a> and the Philadelphia Union are scheduled to meet at RFK Stadium, the two sides made a deal. </p>
<p>United announced Thursday that it had traded midfielder <span>Danny Cruz</span> to the Union in exchange for midfielder <span>Lionard Pajoy</span> and an international roster spot. </p>
<p>Cruz, 22, made 12 starts and 16 total MLS appearances for United this season after being acquired in January from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a>. He played 969 minutes and recorded a goal and three assists. </p>
<p>Pajoy, 31, had played for Philadelphia since January, when he was signed from Itagüí Ditaires in the Colombia first division. He had made 16 MLS starts and 20 total appearances for the Union, scoring five goals. </p>
<p>"It was not an easy decision to trade Danny. He's been a terrific player on and off the field this season," said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper in a statement released by the club. "We felt that we needed to add another piece up top and the opportunity to get Lionard Pajoy was one that we could not pass up. We're excited to integrate him into our side immediately."</p>
<p>Pajoy will be available to suit up for United against his former club Sunday afternoon at RFK. That match kicks off at 5 p.m. and can be seen on NBC Sports Network.</p>
<p><i>For more on D.C. United, visit </i><a href="http://blackandredunited.com">Black And Red United</a><i>. For the Philadelphia perspective, check out </i><a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/">Brotherly Game</a><i>. And for more on the beautiful game, check out </i><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer">SB Nation's soccer hub</a><i>. </i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/8/16/3247414/dc-united-danny-cruz-trade-philadelphia-union-lionard-pajoySamuel Chamberlain