FC Dallas' Cooper headed to 1860 Munich

By Shane Evans, Special to SI.com, Goal.com

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FC Dallas has announced that it has agreed to a fee by German second-division club TSV 1860 Munich for forward Kenny Cooper. As per league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Kenny has been an outstanding player for us over the last four seasons as well as a tremendous ambassador for FC Dallas in his time with the club, and we wish him the best in Munich," General Manager Michael Hitchcock said in a statement. "Kenny indicated to us that he wanted to return to Europe when his contract expired next year. The timing of this transfer allows Kenny to continue his career overseas while providing our club with valuable resources for new acquisitions."

Cooper, 24, has spent three seasons with FC Dallas, racking up an impressive 40 goals in 90 appearances for the MLS club, which is good for the team's all-time top spot. He was also voted the team's MVP for 2008.

"This transfer gives us the resources to continue to build the team and hopefully bring in another talented forward who will be a good fit for our system," Head Coach Schellas Hyndman said. "I have sincerely enjoyed coaching Kenny in my time with FC Dallas. He is a good teammate, a skilled goal scorer and a great person. We wish him well."

Leaving a club where you've experienced the most success in your career is always hard, and Cooper goes to Germany with a heavy heart.

"I would like to thank the Hunt family, my teammates and everyone at FC Dallas for everything over the last four years," Cooper said. "To all of the wonderful fans, thank you so much for your support. I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to play for my hometown team, in the same city where my father played for 11 years. I am very excited and honored to join 1860 Munich. I am hungry and ready to give my all to the club. I hope I will make Lamar and everyone at FC Dallas proud. I wish everyone the very best."

Prior to joining Dallas, Cooper was a Manchester United player, signed right out of college. He was never able to break the first team and, after loan spells with Academica Coimbra and Oldham Athletic, Cooper decided to return to the states to sign with MLS and FCD.