Kenny Cooper
The tall Texan moves well off the ball and fills up the goal sheet for the New York Red Bulls.
- Juan Agudelo
- Eric Alexander
- Jozy Altidore
- Kyle Beckerman
- Tony Beltran
- Austin Berry
- Matt Besler
- Nat Borchers
- Terrence Boyd
- Will Bruin
- Edson Buddle
- Teal Bunbury
- Geoff Cameron
- Edgar Castillo
- Ricardo Clark
- Steve Clark
- Bobby Convey
- Kenny Cooper
- Joe Corona
- Sam Cronin
- Cody Cropper
- Danny Cruz
- Daniel Cuevas
- Charlie Davies
- Brad Davis
- Nick DeLeon
- Jay DeMerit
- Maurice Edu
- Michael Farfan
- Andrew Farrell
- Benny Feilhaber
- Greg Garza
- Eddie Gaven
- Luis Gil
- Alan Gordon
- Andy Gruenebaum
- Bill Hamid
- Matt Hedges
- Clint Irwin
- George John
- Sean Johnson
- Jermaine Jones
- Benji Joya
- Dan Kennedy
- Perry Kitchen
- Jeff Larentowicz
- Steven Lenhart
- Chad Marshall
- Jack McBean
- Dax McCarty
- Jack McInerney
- Matt Miazga
- Justin Morrow
- Patrick Mullins
- Lee Nguyen
- Conor O'Brien
- Amobi Okugo
- Michael Parkhurst
- Heath Pearce
- Chris Pontius
- Dillon Powers
- Christian Ramirez
- Nick Rimando
- Chris Rolfe
- Kelyn Rowe
- Omar Salgado
- C.J. Sapong
- Brek Shea
- Harry Shipp
- Tommy Thompson
- Wil Trapp
- Andrew Wenger
- Danny Williams
- Sheanon Williams
- Chris Wondolowski
- Graham Zusi
August 31, 2012
8:00 PM
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Andrew Katsampes/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
One of my earliest memories playing is in recess at school. My father was a professional coach when I was young, so I had a passion for the game at a young age and it’s always been something that I’ve loved doing. I remember even in elementary school, playing with my classmates during recess.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
The Brazilian Ronaldo was a big-time hero of mine growing up. I would probably tie my shoes like him, the same way he was doing it.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
It was an incredible honor. I came off the bench and it was great to get on the field. We won the game. I had my wife and family in the stands. It was just a really special memory and an incredible honor to be able to share with them.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
Two of the qualities are effort and determination. I love seeing guys out there who are giving it their best, working hard, and it’s something I really admire in players.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
Didn't answer
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
I feel very fortunate and very lucky to be able to be a professional. I’ve practiced a lot throughout my life but I’ve also enjoyed it. I think that when you go out there and train and you’re enjoying yourself, you might get the most out of it.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
My flick-ons. Heading the ball. Hopefully that’s something I’ll continue to work on.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
My parents have been incredibly influential in my soccer career and throughout my life. They have always supported me. They’ve encouraged me and believed in me all the time. It’s something I appreciate so much. I hear their voices inside my head, and it’s voices of love, encouragement, and support. I appreciate that so much.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
One of my closest friends is Stephen Keel. We’re roommates on the road, so I’ve had a lot of fun and really enjoy my time around him.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
One that stands out is just playing for the national team. It’s just an incredible honor. I’ve had a few opportunities to do it and hope for some more in the future.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
I’ve had some injuries along the way that have kept me out for a long time, but you know, that’s obviously the reality of the game. I think through that you can come back stronger and better.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
One of the things is to be resilient. I feel very lucky, and I’ve had some really amazing experiences in the game. I’ve had some tough ones, but I think it’s important to stay resilient and keep going and keep fighting every day. Give it your best. Some of my greatest moments in the game have come after some of my worst. So I think it’s important to be resilient during tough times.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
Obviously, on the Red Bulls we have Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez, Teem Tainio—we have so many great players. I’m eager to improve and get better. Playing around these guys and being able to watch them on a daily basis is just a great environment for me to be in—or for anyone to be in who wants to get better.
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
One of my best buddies in the game, Drew Moor. He’s in Colorado and is a fantastic player. You know what you’re going to get when you go up against him. He plays a full 90-plus minutes. I’ve played against him and I’ve played on his team professionally, on his team as a kid in high school and against him in high school. He’s someone I really admire as a person and player. You know what you’re going to get when you go up against Drew. He’s going to give it his best and work really hard.
IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
Maybe in school. I really enjoyed school and studying. I enjoyed that academic environment, and I think if I wasn’t playing I would enjoy being back in the classroom.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
I think winning a championship is one mark of success. I would love to win an MLS Cup. It’s something I’m eager to do. My father has a championship ring from when he played in the NASL. I’m very jealous of him and I’d love to have a ring myself one day.
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