Danny Mwanga is on his way home. Jorge Perlaza is on his way out.

The Timbers swapped strikers with the Philadelphia Union today, acquiring the former Jefferson High School and Oregon State star Mwanga, 20, in exchange for the 27-year-old Perlaza.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for me to come back to my hometown and play in front of family and friends,” said Mwanga. “I’m excited, and I can’t wait to get out to Portland and get to work."

A former No. 1 overall SuperDraft pick, Mwanga scored five goals last season, one less than Perlaza in 2011. Neither, however, has found the back of the net this season. PTFC owner Merritt Paulson tweeted that Mwanga "needs a change," and the same could be said for Portland: They sit in seventh place out west and limped into a 2+ week international break with a forgettable 1-0 overtime loss to a fifth-tier amateur team.

Full release here. Some of Mwanga's highlights here.