<a href="http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/15061-15061/holgersson" rel="attachment wp-att-15066"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-15066" src="/files/2012/02/holgersson-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200"></figure></div></a>When the 2012 preseason opened for the New York Red Bulls, there were a lot of questions that had to be answered. No one knew the club’s plans after a season that looked disjointed and at times looked disgraceful – especially after the end of their first&nbsp;leg quarterfinal at home against the eventual MLS Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy.
As the silence was getting louder, slowly but surely the pieces were starting to take shape, and certain parts were returning to give a sigh of relief. Estonian midfielder Joel Lindpere signed a multi-year contract extension; Stephen Keel was given a new contract to fill depth for the backline.
But there was a shock during the MLS SuperDraft this past January. The Red Bulls made a draft day trade with the Portland Timbers for striker Kenny Cooper. Apparently this move was made as English striker Luke Rodgers had issues renewing his visa (approval was recently granted).
Add to that the lingering ankle injury which will cause lost time for Juan Agudelo, and bringing in Cooper could be a nice pairing up top with Thierry Henry (currently on loan with Arsenal). Head Coach Hans Backe is well aware that Cooper is not simply a target striker; he can score on the ground as well as in the air. On trial right now with the club is former FC New York striker Jhonny Arteaga who scored thirteen goals in USL Pro.
The back line was strengthened with the addition of two tall central defenders, since Tim Ream transferred to Bolton Wanderers in the EPL. Enter Swedish defender Markus Holgersson and former Chicago Fire defender Wilman Conde, who wanted to move here when Juan Carlos Osorio left the Fire. After a stint with Atlas of the Mexican Primera Division, he finally got his wish.
Home grown defender Connor Lade, who started with the Red Bulls academy and spent his college years with St. John’s of the Big East, was signed to a contract. Reports from preseason training have been positive, and he has impressed the coaching staff.Clifton,New Jersey native Jonathan Borrajo has returned from playing inNorway and will also push for starting minutes.
But the two or three big question marks the team is facing right now are: 1) goalkeeper, 2) Rafa Marquez and 3) will they bring a creative midfielder during the summer transfer window?
In terms of the goalkeeping issue, Frank Rost has decided to go back to Germany as his contract terms were only for a few months. Jeremy Vuolo was signed but some feel he is a backup. Drafted Fordham man Ryan Meara is a 3rd&nbsp;stringer. If the club can’t find a true number one and Vuolo can impress enough to take the job, it will be an interesting season if he can mirror what Tally Hall did with the Houston Dynamo in his rookie year.
As for Marquez, after everything that was reported (including by me) about the possible departure of Mexican National Team Captain Rafa Marquez, he has returned to the club and he is getting serious about the 2012 season. He has said that reports about a move to either Club America or Flamengo were false, and that he is ready to erase the problems of last season. Reading those reports, it appears that Marquez is ready to get back into the good graces of the supporters and the club.
Overall the Red Bulls look like they are going to rebound from a season where lingering questions were supposed to be answered, but instead became questions anew. Can Hans Backe have faith in his bench, or will that problem come back to bother him? Those questions will be answered on Sunday, March 11th.
&nbsp;

Red Bulls Retooling For The New Season

Red Bulls Retooling For The New Season - World Soccer Talk

The most intriguing pick-up in the 2012 MLS Superdraft was the one not made in Kansas City. &nbsp;The Portland Timbers <a href="http://www.onceametro.com/2012/1/12/2702496/kenny-cooper-to-red-bulls" target="_blank" rel="noopener">traded forward Kenny Cooper to the New York Red Bulls</a> for the team’s 2013 first round Superdraft pick and conditional allocation money. &nbsp;The move, announced prior to the draft, clears up some intriguing personnel conundrums for both teams.
For Portland, it allows them to end the Cooper experiment after the team picked him up via free transfer. &nbsp;His season was decent, as he scored 8 goals for the Timbers, but it was marred with inconsistency and a falling out with head coach. &nbsp;His trade frees up cap space and adds another pick in next year’s draft. &nbsp;In addition, if the Red Bulls keep Cooper for a second year they will receive an unknown but significant allocation amount, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SoccerByIves/status/157527469853917184" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to Ives Galarcep</a>.
The trade for New York, however, shows their concern with the forward position. &nbsp;Here is a list of the forwards under contract with the Red Bulls and why this trade makes sense in light of each of their situations:
<ul>
<li>Thierry Henry: I know it is only supposed to be a two month loan deal to Arsenal, but ask any Arsenal fan and they will tell you that extending Henry for the rest of the season would be an excellent move for Arsene Wenger. &nbsp;The&nbsp;rigors&nbsp;of half an BPL season (as well as Champions League and FA Cup) will take away any offseason rest Henry would have gotten.</li>
<li>Juan Agudelo: I noted in my NY “Three Questions” post that Agudelo’s falling out with Hans Backe has been followed by <a href="http://www.empireofsoccer.com/red-bulls-hot-stove-ream-deal-nears-new-york-names-agudelos-price-and-more/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewed interest from Liverpool</a> and a few other clubs overseas. &nbsp;The tea leaves seem to read that a transfer that will net the Red Bulls some money will occur in the near future, a move endorsed by both parties.</li>
<li>Luke Rodgers: Michael Lewis reported in the aftermath of the trade that a concern in the front office was that Rodger’s U.S. visa would not be renewed in time for the start of the season. &nbsp;Rodgers was on a one-year work visa to play in the U.S., and his arrest record in England is delaying that extension. &nbsp;Combined with Agudelo’s seeming departure, this delay would leave the team very weak at forward.</li>
<li>Corey Hertzog: Certainly has potential, but having him as a full-time starter in 2012 is not a good proposition for a team that has MLS Cup aspirations.</li>
</ul>
<div>With the team drafting a keeper in today’s draft, it looks like New York’s focus will now turn to the midfield and seeing how the rest of their forwards shake out. &nbsp;But the trade certainly signals that Red Bulls fans could be seeing some new faces in 2012 up front.</div>

Cooper Trade Speaks Volumes on Red Bulls Future

Cooper Trade Speaks Volumes on Red Bulls Future - World Soccer Talk

The “expansion” Portland Timbers had a debut MLS season to remember. &nbsp;The team quickly became the darling of the TV networks with their passionate and creative fans, the team played an exciting brand of soccer, and the resurgence of Jack Jewsbury gave them some high-profile players. &nbsp;The team even had a <a title="Nagbe Goal" href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2011/11/16/2011-atampt-goal-year" target="_blank">goal of the year candidate</a> and an <a title="Timbers Army National Anthem" href="http://youtu.be/s50SvZm9jQE" target="_blank">MLS moment of the year</a>. &nbsp;All that was lacking was a playoff berth, something that will not be any easier to obtain with their Western Conference rivals either improving or remaining strong, plus a new playoff format.
They say second acts are the hardest things to pull off in&nbsp;show business, so can Portland match the excitement off the field while taking the next step on the field in 2012? &nbsp;Here are three questions for the&nbsp;Portland&nbsp;Timbers in the next two months before their First Kick 2012&nbsp;match-up&nbsp;with the <a href="http://blog.oregonlive.com/timbers/2011/12/portland_timbers_learn_opponen.html" target="_blank">Philadelphia Union</a>.
1. How much of a role will Valencia play for this team?
Portland generated quite a bit of buzz this offseason when they <a href="http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2011-12-15/portland-timbers-land-colombian-dp-jose-adolfo-valencia" target="_blank">signed Colombian Jose Adolfo Valencia</a> to a “young DP” contract, the first in MLS history. &nbsp;In addition to being the son of the famous Adolfo Valencia of Bayern Munich, “El Trencito” is a rising international star that has Portland fans salivating over his creativity and speed.
However, before the team begins inducting him into the Hall of Fame, he is only 19 years old and his only professional experience has been playing in Colombia’s first division. &nbsp;While MLS isn’t the cauldron that the EPL is, playing in a foreign country in a new league will be an adjustment. &nbsp;How he handles that adjustment off and on the field will be critical to Portland’s chances in the new year.
2. Who will stop the goals?
Portland’s biggest weakness last season was their defense, allowing 48 goals last season, fifth worst in the league. &nbsp;So far this offseason, the only thing the team has done to address this (more on this topic below) is <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/12/23/portland-busy-shaping-core-ahead-second-season" target="_blank">to re-sign</a> Troy Perkins and David Horst. &nbsp;Perkins was a solid keeper last year, who needed a change of scenery after a&nbsp;disastrous&nbsp;second tour with DC United the prior year. &nbsp;While he played well enough to deserve an extension, can he maintain that level of play in ’12? &nbsp;At least his restructured contract will free up some spending money.
As for Horst, the center back is a physically intimidating prospect at 6’4″ but struggled to remain consistently healthy last season. &nbsp;The team is betting that he will be healthier this season, but that may be a bit of a gamble. &nbsp;Regardless, the team does need to invest in the back to ensure that it gets stronger there. &nbsp;Some have suggested that <a href="http://www.stumptownfooty.com/2011/12/20/2650291/timbers-tid-bits-matt-hegdes-edition" target="_blank">will come through the draft</a>, but a combination of draft/signings to add some quality depth will be essential for this team to progress in 2012.
3. Who else will Portland sign?
If you scan the transaction records for Portland this offseason, the only moves that have been made are the ones discussed above. &nbsp;They have been quiet in the re-entry drafts and signings, save for Valencia. &nbsp;There is still time for the team to wheel and deal, but where do they want to go this offseason? &nbsp;We’ve discussed their defensive needs but more midfield depth and potentially a young keeper would be good additions. &nbsp;If Valencia is the real deal up front that is less of a need, but is Kenny Cooper with this team long-term after some blow-ups with John Spencer? &nbsp;if not, they need to sign a few quality and veteran forwards.

Can Portland Answer the Curtain Call? Three Questions for the Timbers

Can Portland Answer the Curtain Call? Three Questions for the Timbers - World Soccer Talk

The difference between MLS and most other major American sports leagues is that two teams with losing records can play a low scoring game in the rain and have it be one of the most exciting games of the year. Actually, it may have just been one of the most exciting 20 minutes of the season, as Portland kept their playoff hopes alive (and extinguishes DC United’s) with a 1-1 draw at RFK Stadium last night.
Portland took the lead in the 24th minute on a header by Kenny Cooper, who got free of Brandon McDonald in front of the net to redirect a cross from former DCU fullback Rodney Wallace. Portland dominated the early run of play and looked like the team fighting for a playoff spot, controlling the midfield and pressuring a DCU defense starting two rookies. &nbsp;DC head coach Ben Olsen went all-in with his lineup by starting Charlie Davies and Josh Wolff in front of Dwayne De Rosario, Andy Najar, and Santino Quaranta. &nbsp;Despite the offensive firepower, it was Portland who controlled the flow and limited DC’s chances in the first half.
A tired DC and comfortable Portland began the second half stuck in the midfield, but it was Dwayne De Rosario that snapped the home side out of its funk in the 73rd minute. His curling top shelf goal energized the crowd and led to a frenzied final twenty minutes. Before the final whistle blew, fans saw the following:
<ul>
<li>Bill Hamid make two incredible saves on Timber break aways that easily should have put the game away for Portland.</li>
<li>A shot by Brian Umony that got past Hamid but hit the top bar and bounced just in front of the DC goal line.</li>
<li>A disallowed goal by DC sub Blake Brettschneider late in the match that looked to be the game winner, occurring after Troy Perkins had gone too far outside his goal but earning an offsides flag.</li>
<li>Joseph Ngwenya continuing his miserable season by missing a six footer with a reaction save by Perkins, followed immediately by another reaction save off Brettschneider’s follow-up.</li>
</ul>
When the final whistle blew, the score remained deadlocked and Portland lived to fight another day. The Timbers, if New York loses tonight, need to win this weekend at RSL to secure a playoff spot. DC, however, was eliminated with the draw and will now sit home a club record fourth consecutive playoffs.
All eyes now turn to New York where the Red Bulls tonight have a chance to clinch the final playoff spot. &nbsp;Keep checking the site for more analysis and commentary on the race for the MLS playoffs.

Portland Playoff Hopes Stay Alive With 1-1 Draw

Portland Playoff Hopes Stay Alive With 1-1 Draw - World Soccer Talk

It’s catch-up time. &nbsp;In both games in hand and playoff positioning.
In the shadow of the CONCACAF Champions League matches six MLS clubs will take the pitch tonight in critical games for playoff positioning. &nbsp;One of the matches is a match-up of heavyweights, while the other two look to be mismatches that could be surprises. &nbsp;What do all three have in common? &nbsp;All three results could go a long way to helping or even ending the playoff hopes of three teams, while boosting the playoff positioning of a fourth. &nbsp;Below is a breakdown of each match; all three can only be seen on Match Day Live or Direct Kick.
DC United v. Chivas USA – 7:30 PM ET – RFK Stadium
Coming off their resounding loss at Seattle, DC faces a struggling Chivas side they dominated less than two weeks ago in Los Angeles. &nbsp;However, there are two differences this time around – no Chris Pontius for the home side and DC’s miserable home record. &nbsp;Bill Hamid should be back for tonight’s match which will help DCU in net; Joe Willis was solid but not great in net this weekend. &nbsp;The key will be to secure the home field – DC is 1-1-2 in home matches since July, a record that will keep them out of the playoffs if they keep it up. &nbsp;Chivas, meanwhile, is seeking its first win since August 6. &nbsp;Chivas will have Marcos Mondaini back for this match, which could prove useful against a DC midfield that looked suspect against Seattle.
Bottom line: DC needs 3 points to remain in the playoff race. &nbsp;A loss effectively puts their hopes on life support, a draw could do the same depending on other results. &nbsp;I see DC squeaking out a close 2-1 win here.
New York Red Bulls v. Real Salt Lake – 8:00 PM ET – RB Arena
Their win versus Dallas this weekend has reinvigorated a New York team that had hit a major slump. &nbsp;That win basically set up this week perfectly for New York: wins versus RSL and Portland mean they have an inside track to the playoffs. &nbsp;Their defense shone this weekend after some&nbsp;shaky&nbsp;recent performances but maybe the benching of Rafa Marquez has given them a spark. &nbsp;The key question is will the team’s depth allow them to play at the highest possible level in back-to-back-to-back must win games, to say nothing of the rest of the season.
Real Salt Lake will be looking to repeat its 3-0 beat down of the Red Bulls in early August. &nbsp;The visitors are riding a four-match winning streak and could conceivably clinch a playoff spot by Sunday if the various playoff scenarios play out. &nbsp;The visitors will critically be missing Kyle Beckerman due to yellow card accumulation, and Tony Beltran will also miss this match due to an abductor strain.
Bottom line: RSL will miss Beckerman against a possibly resurrected New York side, which needs a result more than the visitors. &nbsp;Still, I’m not 100% sold that NY is back on track and I think the backline will struggle against the RSL attack. &nbsp;I predict a 2-2 draw on this one.
Portland Timbers v. San Jose Earthquakes – 10:30 PM ET – JELD-WEN
The quotes are flying in this one, which Lovel Palmer <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/index.ssf/2011/09/pressure_increases_on_portland.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying</a>, “(this) game makes or breaks our season,” a sentiment John Spencer only somewhat disagrees with. &nbsp;The Timbers are riding a four game unbeaten streak and have won three of those matches, but have only two matches left at home while playing four of their final six on the road, where their record is not quite so good. &nbsp;Much like DCU needs to begin racking up wins at home, Portland needs some road wins. &nbsp;Darlington Nagbe will start again after a good performance against New England, and if Kenny Cooper is hitting a hot streak, this team can score with the best of them.
San Jose is likely battling for respectability in this one, as even their home town paper is saying their playoff chances are “<a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18940665?nclick_check=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">slimmer than a pair of skinny jeans</a>“. &nbsp;The ‘Quakes actually had the lead against Houston at the half this weekend, but gave it away to continue their slide.
Bottom line: This is an absolutely must win for Portland, and at home they will get it. 2-0 victory for the Timbers.

Why Tonight's MLS Games are Critical to the Playoff Race

Why Tonight's MLS Games are Critical to the Playoff Race - World Soccer Talk

<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a title="Flying V by Mafue, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mafue/5541928196/"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5017/5541928196_e56c0e70a5.jpg" alt="Flying V" width="500" height="375"></figure></div></a>Photo by Mafue</div>
MLS could not have asked for a better opening weekend of soccer than this weekend. &nbsp;After a somewhat pedestrian first match between the Galaxy and Sounders, there were a ton of story lines to follow in this weekend’s games. &nbsp;While it may be a lot to ask for every weekend to be this exciting (although we can hope) there is no doubt that this season is looking like a great one.
Just like Don Garber planned it.
Vancouver 4, Toronto 2
What a tale of two cities. &nbsp;Expansion Vancouver certainly kicked off their first first-division season in style. &nbsp;The fans were decked out in white as part of the “White Out”, celebrity fan Steve Nash sat among the masses and led the cheering, and the action on the pitch could not have been better for the home team. &nbsp;Eric Hassli started the scoring in the 15th minute and, after Dwayne De Rosario equalized, it was all Whitecaps. &nbsp;The Toronto defense was exposed and the Reds looked pretty bad; it may be worst case scenario for them at least in the near future.
For more weekend reviews…..
Colorado 3, Portland 1
I was intrigued by this match because I wanted to see how Colorado looked in their first match that counted after their MLS Cup win, as well as see how our other newest club looked. &nbsp;Kenny Cooper contributed a goal (and points for my MLS fantasy team) but otherwise it was all Colorado. &nbsp;The Cummings/Casey duo again looked dangerous in front of the goal, a must for the Rapids, and it was last year’s key pickup Jeff Larentowicz who got the scoring started for Colorado. &nbsp;A tough first match for Portland, but their next three matches are very winnable: at Toronto, at New England, versus Chicago.
Dallas 1, Chicago 1
If you stepped away to the fridge for a beer, you missed the scoring in this one. &nbsp;Milton Rodriguez for Dallas and Diego Chaves for Chicago scored within two minutes of each other, and defense carried the game. &nbsp;Hats off to Dallas for selling out their stadium, after receiving so much criticism for their poor draws last year. &nbsp;Let’s hope that they are building a tradition of being a tough ticket to get. &nbsp;Kevin Hartman picked up where he left off last season, facing 12 shots (5 on goal) and conceding one goal.
D.C. United 3, Columbus 1
I did a story for the site on this match, but I want to make a few follow-up points. &nbsp;Can any Crew fan fill me in on Robbie Rogers absence for most of the match? &nbsp;He had a&nbsp;discernible&nbsp;and positive impact when he was subbed on in the 65th minute, and he may have made a difference playing the full 90. &nbsp;Charlie Davies is getting the attention from this one, but the DC backline (which was horrendous last year) played very well in this match. &nbsp;But with Perry Kitchen called up to the U-20s and Jed Zayner picking up an injury, their depth may be tested (<a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/2011/3/21/2063523/dc-united-roster-depth-defense" target="_blank">find more&nbsp;information&nbsp;here</a>).
New York 1, Seattle 0
Daniel did <a href="http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/new-york-1-0-seattle-sounders-agudelo-scores/12049" target="_blank">an excellent job covering this match for MLS Talk, so I will refer you to his analysis</a>. &nbsp;But allow me to continue heaping praise on Juan Agudelo. &nbsp;The guy will be something special if he is allowed to grow properly both in a playing sense and media sense. &nbsp;I also hope the European clubs dismiss him as an overrated American so he plays in MLS for a while longer. &nbsp;I’d like to hear from Sounders’ fans – what can your team do to generate some goals? &nbsp;Goalless now in two matches.
Real Salt Lake 1, San Jose 0
RSL is a very efficient team. &nbsp;They manage only two shots on goal and that’s all they need for Kyle Beckerman to find the winner. &nbsp;It was a good win in bad weather and there was nothing in this match that doesn’t make you think RSL may be the best team already. &nbsp;For San Jose, they are in a tough spot like we expected. &nbsp;They need to win home games against the favorites in the West to be considered playoff contenders; this match will do nothing to make anyone think that they are one of the better Western Conference teams.
Sporting KC 3, Chivas 2
Newcomers shined for Kansas City in this quality away win. &nbsp;James Madison University rookie C.J. Sapong scored the first goal in the second minute and newcomer Omar Bravo added two more in this match. &nbsp;Both teams should be very concerned about their defense, however. &nbsp;Sporting KC allowed two goals on only four shots on goal, while Chivas obviously had some defensive lapses. &nbsp;Does this match assert the Eastern Conference’s dominance over the Western Conference? &nbsp;Probably not, but it is a good win for a potential playoff contender.
Philadelphia 1, Houston 0
Another match where if you turned your head you missed the goal, as Danny Califf scores off a long throw-in. &nbsp;Kudos to Houston for another good crowd of almost 20,000 to begin the season, but a disappointing offensive output. &nbsp;They needed some points from this match, as their next two (at Sounders, at Red Bulls) could see them trailing early in the season, never a good place to be. &nbsp;The Union also needed this one, as five of their next six matches are against 2010 playoff teams and the sixth is against Vancouver.
Los Angeles 1, New England 1
Paging Mr. Angel, please pick up the white courtesy phone. &nbsp;The Galaxy need him healthy or need other players in their midfield to step up if they want to create more scoring chances. &nbsp;Again it was Juninho who salvaged the point for LA, and the good news for their supporters is that they have taken the early lead in the Supporters Shield race. &nbsp;It is good that New England salvaged a point from this match, but they showed some concerning tendencies in the match. &nbsp;Joseph’s third minute goal was their only shot on goal. &nbsp;Their home opener is DC United, so that will be a good test of where they stand.

MLS First Kick '11 is as Good as Advertised

MLS First Kick '11 is as Good as Advertised - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_3347" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/616px-kenny_cooper.jpg"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3347" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-3347" src="http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/616px-kenny_cooper-300x291.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="291"></figure></div></a>Welcome back Kenny!</div>
The past few weeks U.S. soccer fans have bemoaned the loss of national team players like Edson Buddle and Robbie Findley, players who, while not top-notch international players, are U.S. nationals whose presence gave MLS some respectability internationally.&nbsp; However, while we on this site and others were complaining about the losses, we have not had a chance to celebrate a major pick-up for the American league.&nbsp; Former FC Dallas forward Kenny Cooper is leaving Bundesliga 2 and signing with the Portland Timbers.
For newcomers to MLS, Cooper was named a 2008 Best XI and finished second in the Golden Boot race that year, notching 18 goals (fourteen of which either tied a game or gave FC Dallas a lead).&nbsp; Cooper is a second generation American soccer player and was in the Manchester United youth development system until he was released to pursue his MLS career in 2006.&nbsp; After three years in Dallas he went overseas to Munich 1860 for two years and scored three goals in&nbsp;fifteen matches.&nbsp;
The Kenny Cooper story is also an important one for prospective U.S. internationals.&nbsp; Once considered a replacement to Brian McBride at forward for the U.S. men’s national team, he scored the game-winning goal in a 2009 CONCACAF match against Panama and has ten caps overall, scoring four goals.&nbsp; However, his last call-up was in 2009 and he has not played under Bob Bradley since he moved to Europe, due mostly to injuries and distance from MLS.
Personally, a move to MLS looks to be a chance to reinvigorate his career in the place where he had his greatest success.&nbsp; Admittedly, injury plagued his German career but he seems at this point to fit best into MLS.&nbsp; And he could not have landed in a better place – Portland recently draft Darlington Nagbe and also have USSF 2 forwards Eddie Johnson and Bright Dike, so they need an experienced scorer.&nbsp; The acquisition bolsters their attack if Cooper can find his FC Dallas form, as well as his health.&nbsp; Also, MLS in this case is reversing the trend – bringing a talented&nbsp;American national in the prime of his career back to the domestic league, instead of exporting him.&nbsp; From a USMNT perspective, he is fortunate to play a position of desperate need for Bradley’s team, but if he wants to compete for a roster spot he will have to not only compete with World Cup experienced Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, and Robbie Findley but hold off up-and-comers like Juan Agudelo.
But what do you think?&nbsp; Can Kenny Cooper replicate or come close to his 2008 season?&nbsp; Does he still have a place on the USMNT?&nbsp; And did he make the right move coming back to MLS?

Kenny Cooper Comes Home to MLS

Kenny Cooper Comes Home to MLS - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from Kenny Cooper. Find out about all the news related to Kenny Cooper on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Kenny Cooper"

News

Red Bulls Retooling For The New Season

News

Cooper Trade Speaks Volumes on Red Bulls Future

News

Can Portland Answer the Curtain Call? Three Questions for the Timbers

News

Portland Playoff Hopes Stay Alive With 1-1 Draw

News

Why Tonight's MLS Games are Critical to the Playoff Race

News

MLS First Kick '11 is as Good as Advertised

News

Kenny Cooper Comes Home to MLS