PORTLAND, Ore.– The Portland Timbers have acquired a first-round pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft and allocation money from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for forward Kenny Cooper, it was announced today. Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson made the announcement.
The first-round pick acquired from New York will be the Red Bulls’ highest first-round pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, even should New York trade for a higher pick than its natural first-round selection.
“We’d like to thank Kenny for his service to the club, both on and off the field, during our inaugural MLS season” said Wilkinson. “He’s a phenomenal professional and we wish him the best.”
Cooper, 27, played in all 34 games for the Timbers in 2011, finishing the season with eight goals and two assists. He was signed by the Timbers on Jan. 17, 2011, after playing parts of two seasons in Germany with 1860 Munich. Cooper has played five seasons in MLS, with FC Dallas (2006-09) and Portland.
With FC Dallas, Cooper played 90 games and scored 40 goals over four seasons with the club. He was an MLS All-Star and a Best XI selection in 2008, scoring a career-high 18 goals that season. Cooper was transferred to 1860 Munich in July, 2009.
The Timbers open the 2012 preseason on Monday, Jan. 23, in Portland in preparation for their second MLS campaign. Portland kicks off the regular season on Monday, March 12 as it plays host to the Philadelphia Union at JELD-WEN Field at 6:30 p.m.(Pacific) on ESPN2.
