Philadelphia Union coach Peter Nowak denies he traded Danny Mwanga over a lack of hunger.

Union sent Mwanga to the Portland Timbers for forward Jorge Perlaza this week.

"Danny was a consummate professional. He was great. I cannot say anything negative about him. The technical side of the trade, hungry means neither Danny or Jorge has scored a goal (this season). He wants to be successful. I wish Danny the best.

"Danny needs to answer the questions himself - when are you going to be as a professional, when are you going to be as a soccer player?"