Photo: Earl Gardner
Philadelphia Union announced on Wednesday the loan of midfielder Danny Cruz to Norwegian first division side FK Bodø/Glimt for the 2015 season, pending the result of a physical.
“This is a great opportunity for Danny to play regularly and we know he’ll represent our club well while in Norway.” Union technical director Chris Albright said in a statement. “While we’re confident in our depth on the wings, this also gives us important salary cap relief as we continue to shape our roster throughout the season.”
News of the Cruz loan was first reported on Tuesday by Kevin Kinkead at CBS Philly. Kinkead noted in the report, “The move essentially frees up more than $100,000 in cap space for the Union and allows Cruz to fight for a starting spot at his new club.”
In his weekly press conference on Wednesday, Union head coach Jim Curtin confirmed that Cruz would be leaving on loan.
Cruz, 25, joined the Union in August of 2012 from DC United in exchange for Lionard Pajoy and an international roster spot. A former US youth international, he was selected by Houston Dynamo from UNLV with the 41st overall pick of the 2009 SuperDraft.
Since joining the Union, the midfielder has 70 appearances in league play, including 60 starts, scoring 7 goals with 5 assists.
Cruz spent part of the preseason dealing with a hamstring injury while also acting, along with Brian Carroll, as the team’s MLS Players Union rep during the recent CBA negotiations.
Cruz will join Lancaster, Pa. native Zarek Valentin at Bodø/Glimt, whose head coach is former New York Red Bulls assistant coach Jan Halvor Halvorsen.
On Tuesday, Colorado Rapids announced the transfer of Jamaican international and former Reading United forward Deshorn Brown to Bodø/Glimt’s Tippeligaen rival Vålerenga.
Hallelujah!!
.
and Good Luck.
Good Luck in Norway! We know you’ll represent US well.
My wife will not miss the weekly ritual of pulling my hair while screaming “Cruzzzz!” every time Danny touched the ball…:
Glad to see Cruz go as I believe he doesn’t have much talent and doesn’t offer the team much. I do respect the effort he put in every time he stepped on the pitch. I wish more players on the team gave that kind of effort every game.
+1, now who else can we get rid of?
Good luck Danny Cruz,this looks to be a good opportunity for you to grow as a player.
Nice guy, inadequate footballer. Have fun sledding, Danny.
Why do people feel the need to kick somebody when they’re already down? Danny Cruz is a better soccer player than me. End of story in my book. Good luck Danny!
+1
.
I’ve said this before, but I’m really surprised Danny Cruz isn’t loved in this city.
He’s appreciated.
…and to think that the poor guy might actually read these…maybe.