Just when some fans began to bicker about yet another exclusion of forward Kenny Cooper from the 18 man roster that would take on Trinidad and Tobago in three days, news broke out that Cooper had indeed been part of Bob Bradley's plans for the game.
He simply turned them down.
The FC Dallas standout has been a top of the list of players that fans have wanted to see get called in more frequently. Many have come to the conclusion that he is the solution to the forward dilemma that has plagued the Americans all year long. However, Cooper felt that now was not his time.
"I feel so fortunate and honored to have been invited to join up with the U.S. Men’s National team in Trinidad and Tobago. I made the difficult decision to pass on this opportunity because I had picked up a virus and have been playing with a sprained ankle," stated Cooper to his club team's blog "Considering the importance of my club’s game versus Real Salt Lake this week, and that the National Team has already clinched a berth in the next round of qualifying, I felt it was the right thing to do to stay in Dallas and make sure I get well, and hopefully there will be other opportunities down the line."
While Cooper has deservedly warranted more looks than he's been given, he should've taken full advantage of the one he was offered. Whether or not he made the right decision, choosing club over country in this instance might not sit well with Bradley and the coaching staff. And while Cooper's fans will point out that his team is in the midst of a playoff hunt, so are Bornstein's Chivas USA, and Mastroeni's Rapids.
Now this isn't to say Kenny will never get another call-up. If he continues to play at the level he's currently playing at then he will deserve another shot with the full squad. What this does do however, is hurt his chances to raise his stock to a coaching staff that doesn't rate him as highly as many of his fans do. And with time winding down before the Hexagonal begins, Cooper may look back on this as a missed opportunity.
What is your opinion on Cooper saying no to the National Team? Think he did it out of spite? Will he get another look before the Hex begins next February? Share your thoughts in the comment box.
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