Danny Cruz Traded to DC United for Allocation Money

The Dynamo announced today that midfielder/winger Danny Cruz has been traded to DC United for allocation money. The trade was announced around 2:45pm CT.

Cruz graduated from Generation adidias in the off-season and the Dynamo declined his contract option. The team had made attempts to re-sign Cruz but apparently a deal could not be reached. What does that all mean? Cruz was already technically off the roster and the financial books, but due to not having accrued enough service time in the league, he wasn't eligible for the Re-Entry Draft. The Dynamo retained his rights, even with him being out of contract, so in order for him to play with another MLS team, he has to be traded.

Cruz spent three seasons with the Dynamo after being drafted in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the team. He played in 51 matches (started 27), scoring four goals with five assist.

Dynamo president Chris Canetti made this statement on Twitter:

The Dynamo's official press release is after the jump.

Houston Dynamo acquire partial allocation from D. C. United in exchange for midfielder Danny Cruz

HOUSTON, TX (Friday, January 20, 2012) - The Houston Dynamo have acquired partial allocation money from D.C. United in exchange for the rights to midfielder Danny Cruz, it was announced today.

Cruz, 21, played 51 regular season games for the Dynamo over his three-year career. In 2011, Cruz started 13 matches and scored two goals and added three assists. Cruz started all four MLS Cup playoff matches as the Dynamo advanced to their third MLS Cup in six seasons.

Houston originally drafted Cruz in the third round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft after two stand-out years at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas.