Harrison, NJ (Sports Network) - Red Bull New York traded forward Kenny Cooper to FC Dallas on Monday in exchange for allocation money.
"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," Red Bull sporting director Andy Roxburgh said.
Cooper was acquired from the Portland Timbers on Jan. 12, 2012. Last season, he led New York with 18 goals and three assists in 33 regular-season matches.
"We're really excited to have Kenny back in Dallas," FC Dallas manager Schellas Hyndman said. "When I first became the coach at FC Dallas, Kenny was our striker. He won the Golden Boot that season. He is a proven goal-scorer, a Dallas boy returning home to his roots. Kenny is a leader with exceptional character."
Cooper made his MLS debut with his hometown club in 2006, scoring 11 goals with four assists in 29 starts. He played with FC Dallas until 2009 before being transferred to German side 1860 Munich.
While in Germany he was limited to just 14 games over two seasons and rejoined MLS in 2011.
