Project 2010

In this segment, we look at the player who most deserved to be included on the current roster, but was left behind…

While there are others who could make strong claims to be included in the squad (Ricardo Clark and Robbie Rogers, for example), Kenny Cooper stands out as the most baffling exclusion–I’m honestly shocked. Cooper is in form, second in the MLS golden boot table, and playing a position the U.S. is sorely lacking. I realize Ching has scored only one less goal this year, but Cooper looks like the better player and he’s six years younger. And then there’s Eddie Johnson. While I agree with others that he’s looked a bit better in recent games, he still seems to lack the killer instinct, constantly holding up when he should be heading straight for goal.

What more does Cooper (or what less do the other forwards) need to do to get called in?

For your viewing pleasure, a Kenny Cooper goal compilation: