Harrison, NJ – Red Bull New York made a splash on Thursday but not in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, announcing that it has acquired striker Kenny Cooper from the Portland Timbers in exchange for a pick in the 2013 SuperDraft and allocation money.
Cooper, 27, notched eight goals and two assists in 34 appearances for the Timbers last season, but experienced a difficult spell after it was rumored that the front office was looking to trade him. He was benched for five successive games in July before catching fire late in the year, netting four goals in Portland's last seven games.
The move provides some salary cap relief for the Timbers, while the Red Bulls land a striker with international experience to compliment its stable of forwards which includes Thierry Henry, Luke Rodgers, and Juan Agudelo.
