FC Dallas's Kenny Cooper declined an invitation to join the USMNT squad due to several factors. "I feel so fortunate and honoured to have been invited to join up with the U.S. Men's National team in Trinidad and Tobago," said Cooper in an interview with FC Dallas' blog. "I made the difficult decision to pass on this opportunity because I had picked up a virus and have been playing with a sprained ankle.

"Considering the importance of my club's game versus Real Salt Lake this week, and that the National Team has already clinched a berth in the next round of qualifying, I felt it was the right thing to do to stay in Dallas and make sure I get well, and hopefully there will be other opportunities down the line."

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