While many observers may have snorted when Kenny Cooper was again left off the U.S. squad this week, the FC Dallas ace divulged that he actually rejected the chance to suit up for the National Team due to fitness woes.

The striker, who stands second in MLS with 18 goals, was summoned after the 'Nats clinched their place in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying with a 6-1 win over Cuba on Saturday.

"I feel so fortunate and honored to have been invited to join up with the U.S. Men's National Team in Trinidad & Tobago," Cooper told the official 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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