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Danny Cruz was among the group of former MLS players slated to transition Minnesota United from the NASL era to the top flight, coming to the Loons following a career playing for the Houston Dynamo, D.C. United, and the Philadelphia Union.
What did he do?
The right winger signed with Minnesota in 2016 following the end of his loan from Philadelphia to Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt. A regular presence on the flank for the Loons in the Spring Season, Cruz saw his playing time drop off late in the season due to an August injury. In total, Cruz tallied 24 appearances for the Loons with 23 starts; while he never scored, he did get four assists—three in league play and one in the Open Cup.
How did he leave?
Cruz was released following the 2016 season as the team moved to MLS.
Where is he now?
Cruz took a spot with the San Francisco Deltas in 2017, playing fourteen games before transferring mid-season to Real Monarchs SLC, the USL affiliate of Real Salt Lake. As our sister site RSL Soapbox reported, Cruz played nine games for the eventual Western Conference Supporters Shield winner before transitioning to coaching before the 2018 season began. His club sits atop the USL West table yet again, boasting a two point lead on Orange County SC with a game in hand.