As FC Dallas can now set its sights on a charge to the MLS Cup Playoffs, there could be a welcome return of Dallas native Kenny Cooper to the Hoops lineup.
Cooper broke his right tibia in a game against the Los Angeles Galaxy on June 9, and until he came on as a substitute in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, Cooper missed 18 games in all for FCD.
Cooper did not play in Saturday's 3-1 victory in Columbus, a victory that clinched a playoff berth for FCD. But he could make his return to the starting 11 for his side as soon as Thursday against Chivas USA.
On Monday, he played 70 minutes in a scrimmage against FCD's under-17 team and came through that with no issue. And throughout the week, he has been getting work with the first team and could start Thursday's game at Pizza Hut Park.
"He's made a lot of progress in the last week and we arranged a game on Monday to get him some more minutes," FCD head coach Steve Morrow said. "He played 70 minutes on Monday against our U-17 team. That was a great exercise for him. He's looking more and more ready every day and at this moment, it's a question of trying to get him as many minutes as we can to try and get him as close to 100 percent match fitness as possible going into the playoffs."
Before he hit the field in the 3-2 Open Cup Final loss to New England, Cooper had played the first hour of a reserve match against Houston on Sept. 30 and came through that with no problems. That set the stage for his return in the cup final.
"I felt good," Cooper said of his return against New England. "It's exciting to be coming back and it's obviously an exciting time of the season. When I first came back, it was in the U.S. Open Cup final, which it was an honor to be a part of and to be playing in the final. It was a disappointing result but it was great to get back out there and good to play again. It's so nice to be back out here playing again. I have missed it so much. I'm excited to be back."
Prior to his injury, Cooper had played in 12 games, 10 of those starts, and had four goals with two assists. He clearly feels that his fitness level is where it was before that fateful night in early June at Pizza Hut Park.
"I feel 100 percent," Cooper said. "I really feel great. Before the Open Cup Final, I played about 60 minutes in a reserve game and have been at it for a little bit now. I feel good and it feels good now. I'm excited and hungry to be part of things."
Cooper admits that he is looking forward to appearing in each of FCD's final two regular season matches and wants to be ready heading into the MLS Cup Playoffs.
"I'm hungry to play whether it's a regular season game, playoff game or any other game," he said. "I have been missing playing enough for the last three months. I love playing and am so excited to be back. But I am hungry to be part of these games at the end of the season and heading into the playoffs."
Morrow was quick to credit Cooper's mental toughness during his absence from the lineup. "I think for the most part, he's done well," he said. "He's a very positive person and has a strong family background as well that can help him out in that situation.
"I think that when guys come back from broken legs, the first few weeks of training are always a little bit tentative. I think he has certainly gone through that stage and has come out the other end now. There's also a mental barrier that you have to overcome as well and I think he's done that. He's looking very good at the moment."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
