MLS FC Dallas

Rocha and Cooper Named MLS Award Finalists

Published on October 30, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


FRISCO, Texas (Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008) - FC Dallas midfielder Andre Rocha and forward Kenny Cooper have been named as finalists for two Major League Soccer year-end Awards, as announced by MLS today. Rocha is one of three finalists for the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award, while Cooper is among the three finalists for the MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award. The finalists earned the most votes in polling of MLS players, general managers, coaches, referees and members of the media.

Acquired on loan from Brazilian-partner Clube Atletico Paranaense in February, midfielder Andre Rocha adapted quickly to FC Dallas and Major League Soccer. The 24-year-old finished the season with three goals and a team-leading eight assists in 27 games, playing as an attacking, holding, and right-sided midfielder. The Brazilian finished among the League leaders in assists, and his four game-winning set-ups were second-best in MLS.

Kenny Cooper made a tremendous return to top form in 2008 after missing 19 games in all competitions during the second half of 2007 with a broken right tibia. The 24-year-old consistently scored key goals, and finished the season second in MLS with 18 goals, scoring nine before the All-Star break and nine afterwards. Recognized as an MLS All-Star Best XI, he also tied the team mark for goals in a season. Of his 18 goals, 14 either provided FCD a lead or tied a game, while the other four goals increased leads. FC Dallas improved to an impressive 19-1-9 all-time record when he scores.

MLS Newcomer of the Year Finalists

Darren Huckerby - San Jose Earthquakes

Claudio Lopez - Kansas City Wizards

Andre Rocha - FC Dallas

(Winner announced on Nov. 11)

MLS Comeback Player of the Year Finalists

Jon Busch - Chicago Fire

Kenny Cooper - FC Dallas

Santino Quaranta - D.C. United

(Winner announced on Nov. 22)

Check out the FC Dallas Statistics

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Major League Soccer Stories from October 30, 2008


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