Kenny Cooper isn't eligible for MLS Rookie of the Year and the league doesn't have a newcomer of the year award, but the Dallas native still has some hardware coming his way after he was named FC Dallas team MVP on Wednesday.
Cooper, who is in his first year with the Hoops after spending the last two seasons with Manchester United of the English Premier League, has been as good as advertised. He has 11 goals, second-most on the team, and four assists. Six of those goals were game-winners, tying him for the league lead.
"He's done well," said FCD head coach Colin Clarke. "It's tough to come in as a youngster in your first year in the league with a new team and in a new environment. You could see from Day One that he was happy to be here. His energy level hasn't dropped. He's kept his level very high. I'm delighted for him. He's clearly deserving (of the award). I know he's been great off the field as well."
Cooper was equally ecstatic. "I'm extremely taken aback by it," he said. "I feel very honored (to win the award). There are so many players on this team that I look up to and respect. You look at Ronnie (O'Brien) and the quality and work rate that he has every game. I'm honored to be named MVP."
Veteran midfielder Richard Mulrooney was also quick to commend Cooper on his award. "Kenny came in and did a great job for us," he said. "If you look at our record and how many game-winning goals he had, we don't win half the games we do without him. He is most deserving of the award. I couldn't think of another player on our team more deserving. I'm sure he's going to show that this weekend."
When Cooper signed with the Hoops in the offseason after spending time in Europe, he kept his goals for his first season in MLS fairly simple.
"Coming into the year, I wanted to make a positive contribution, have a positive impact on the team and be playing week in and week out," he said. "I'm fortunate that Colin and (assistant coach) Steve (Morrow) gave me the opportunity to play. I love playing for them and learning from them all the time. They have so much to offer and a lot of experience."
Cooper played the bulk of the year up top alongside Carlos Ruiz, FCD's leading scorer with 13 goals. But when Abe Thompson emerged as a great partner for Ruiz at forward late in the season, Cooper was moved to the left side of midfield, where he replaced another fellow Dallas product, Ramon Nunez, and the move has made little difference in Cooper's contribution.
Last Saturday, Cooper made his playoff debut for the Hoops in their 2-1 win against Colorado in the first leg of the Western Conference Semfinal Series in Denver. His second postseason start will likely come in the return match this Saturday in Frisco and who knows, his first playoff tally might not be far behind.
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
