In the absence of young Cameron Porter for the season with a torn ACL, Montreal has gone and got Kenny Cooper off waivers from the Seattle Sounders, the club confirmed.
The details of the deal were not disclosed, but Seattle previously confirmed that the club bought out the 30-year-old’s contract and will receive salary cap relief. The buyout means the club pays his salary out of pocket instead of from the league bank, and in return his salary cap hit goes away.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to join the Montreal Impact,” said Cooper through the Montreal club statement. “With the recent achievement of reaching the Champions League final, it’s obviously a great time for the club. I am eager and determined to contribute to more success this year. It will be a privilege to represent a club, so rich in history and fan support.”
Montreal becomes Cooper’s fifth MLS club since 2011, having previously played for Portland, New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas before landing in Seattle prior to the 2014 season. He scored three goals for the Sounders in 22 league appearances last season plus six more in the US Open Cup (named Player of the Tournament), and has not played yet this season.
He joins Montreal at a good time, with the CONCACAF Champions League final on the horizon against Club America and the club needing help at the striker position. With Porter down, Jack McInerney and 20-year-old Rosario Williams were the only true striker options at the head of the attack.
The club confirmed Cooper will fly to Montreal on Monday and be with the team for training starting Tuesday. Montreal doesn’t play again until the first leg of the final on April 22, with their next MLS game not until May 6, after the second leg is concluded.