As the MLS season approaches, MLSsoccer.com marks each passing day with a different statistic, observation or talking point, setting the stage for March 2.
22 – Game-winning goals scored by Kenny Cooper in MLS
The accepted logic goes something like this: Kenny Cooper is a pure finisher, utterly dependent on service but absolutely clinical with the ball at his feet in the 18-yard box. His 18 goals for New York in 2012? Mostly down to one Theirry Henry.
Is there an element of truth in that over-simplified narrative? Sure. Does it tell the whole story? Please.
But here's the thing about Cooper's return to FC Dallas – he may just get more service in Frisco than came his way in Harrison. And that comes down to David Ferreira, who played 15 games with Cooper during their only season together in Dallas and is surely licking his chops at the prospect of feeding MLS' second-leading scorer on a regular basis.
Similarly, Cooper should be eyeing the 20-goal mark (especially if he can wrestle PK duties from Ferreira) in 2013, and there's no reason to think he can't get there with two 18-goal campaigns under his belt already in MLS.
Needless to say, with the diminutive Colombian feeding the hulking Cooper, he isn't likely to be stuck on 22 game-winning goals for long.
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Will Cooper surpass the 18 goals he scored in 2012 with New York? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
