photo courtesy of NY Red Bulls

In a surprise move, Kenny Cooper was traded to FC Dallas in exchange for allocation money. Cooper was one of two trades done today, FC Dallas picked up Eric Hassli of Toronto FC in exchange for a conditional second round pick in the 2014MLS Draft.

“Due to salary cap restrictions and in order to balance our squad now and in the future, we have very reluctantly traded Kenny. The allocation money combined with the salary cap relief that we obtained will be vital for us to strengthen the squad in specific areas,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. “Kenny, who is a great professional as well as an excellent person to work with, has been a very good member of our roster and we wish him every success with the next phase of his playing career. Kenny and MLS have been very supportive during this difficult process.”

Cooper was acquired in January 2012 from the Portland Timbers. He led the New York Red Bulls with 18 goals all the while picking up 3 assists in 33 game season appearances. This is a homecoming of sorts for Kenny Cooper who played with FC Dallas from 2006 – 2009.