Terry Cooke, who played 106 games for the Colorado Rapids between 2005-09 and led MLS in assists in 2006, has landed himself a spot on the club’s All-Time Best XI.
‘Cookie’ began his career as part of the legendary Manchester United youth system and famously was a teammate with David Beckham in his younger days. His impact on the Colorado soccer community reaches well beyond his days at Mile High Stadium and DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, as he would go on to coach the Denver Kickers, one of the oldest soccer clubs in the state, after his playing days were finished.
Cooke joined the Rapids in 2005 and made an immediate impact on the club and MLS, becoming known as an assist specialist for his ability to read the game and set up teammates in front of goal.
Overall, Cooke tallied 34 assists in his MLS career, a total that finds him second to only Chris Henderson (53) for helpers in a Rapids kit.
Playing the majority of his time on the right wing, many of Cooke’s archived highlights are of him beating defenders (badly) with a clever turn or touch, and then racing into space. His ability was most evident in the final third - from his perfectly weighted crosses lined into the six-yard box to his impeccably timed touches setting up teammates; Cooke clearly had an ability to see the game a pass ahead of his competitors.
He led all MLS players with 12 assists in 2006 as the Rapids reached the postseason for a second consecutive year. He scored a goal to help the Rapids top FC Dallas in the playoffs that season.
In the inaugural game at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Cooke stole the show, setting up Herculez Gomez for the first goal in the stadium’s history. He then found Roberto Brown for another goal in route to a historic win for the club and the state.
Cooke kicked off the 2008 season with a bang, scoring a goal and grabbing two assists in an emphatic 4-0 win over Beckham and the LA Galaxy. That season, Cooke matched his MLS career-high in assists with 12, which was good enough for third in the league.
Cooke’s early days were spent learning the game alongside of the best players of his - or any - generation, and Colorado soccer fans clearly appreciated his love for the sport and incredible ability when he landed in the Mile-High City. It’s only fitting then that ‘Cookie’ has been awarded a spot on the Colorado Rapids All-Time Best XI.
