Kenny Cooper technically wasn't a rookie last season with FC Dallas, since he had spent the previous three seasons in the Manchester United system. But that didn't stop him from having a huge impact for the Hoops in his first MLS season.
The lanky Dallas native scored 11 goals, second-most on the club and also added 4 assists. If the league had a newcomer of the year award, Cooper would have won it hands-down.
Cooper was one of a number of Hoops players in attendance when Steve Morrow was announced as the team's new head coach. The consummate team player, Cooper was originally scheduled to leave town the morning of the press conference to announce Morrow's hiring, but he changed his travel arrangements so that he could be on hand.
"I'm very excited for Steve and the organization," he said. "I have a ton of respect for him and think he will do a great job."
On Feb. 2, 2006, Cooper signed with FCD, meaning he hasn't even been in FCD hoops for a full year. Already, he is focusing on how he can prepare for his sophomore season in MLS.
"I've been trying to stay fit (so far in the offseason) by going to the gym," he said. "My fingers are crossed that there will be an opportunity with the (U.S.) national team coming up. I'm just trying to prepare in case that becomes a reality. I don't know when that would come up."
His MLS debut came on April 1, 2006, when Cooper entered FCD's season opener against the Chicago Fire as a second-half substitute. Once the final whistle had sounded, he had scored the game-winner in a 3-2 Hoops victory. It was truly a hint of great things to come as Cooper would score five more game-winning goals the rest of the year, tops for the club.
But that was then and this is now. Cooper is pleased with how his first year in MLS turned out, but wants to do even better in his second season.
"I just want to build on it," he said. "We had a great regular season and didn't get it done in the playoffs. Winning and championships are big things here. I want to take more of a leadership role on the team (next year). I have a year under my belt and have more experience than I did a year ago."
One big question might be where Cooper plays. He spent the bulk of the season up top alongside FCD's leading scorer Carlos Ruiz. The two worked well together, but admittedly, there was something missing. When second-year striker Abe Thompson emerged as a great strike partner for Ruiz, Cooper needed a spot.
He ended up on the left of midfield, where he replaced another fellow Dallas-ite in Ramon Nunez, who set career highs in goals and assists last season but was largely inconsistent. Cooper performed well in his new spot as well. One of the big questions for Morrow in 2007 will be where he puts Cooper.
Cooper's focus so far in the offseason has been on bettering his fitness and strength. He admits that having a full winter to train this year compared to last when his offseason was cut short by his time at Man United, makes a big difference in his training regimen.
"I'm always trying to get a little fitter and stronger," he said. "I'm always trying to improve a little bit no matter what's going on. I love being part of this club and we're trying to get better all the time."
In his first MLS season, Cooper's solid play was a big reason why the Hoops finished atop the Western Conference during the regular season and set a club record for points in a season. If Cooper's offseason preparation is any indication, he could be even better next season. That in itself is music to the ears of FCD fans and bad news to the opposition.
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
