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On loan from Panamanian side Arabe Unido, the Reds have an option to buy Cooper at the end of this playoff run.

The club’s front office says a price tag hasn’t yet been set on retaining Cooper’s services — something still to be discussed.

Regardless, in just six starts Cooper has demonstrated an ability to relentlessly defend and retain possession and make good decisions. He adds that extra bit of gamesmanship that can be so crucial in tight playoff games.

“He covers far more ground than we thought he would,” TFC coach Greg Vanney said. “His ability to cover ground is phenomenal … He uses his body more than most players — especially in this league. He invites contact.”

Which, at times, ignites controversy.

At the same time, drawing contact and fouls is one of the dark arts of this game.

It allows for time-wasting — something that could come in handy with the Reds possessing a 2-0 advantage heading into the second leg this Sunday at Yankee Stadium.

“If I were to liken him to someone who we all know and find to be an agitator, it’s Carlos Ruiz,” Vanney said. “He uses his body incredibly well. He’ll find the contact before he deals with the ball. It’s savvy. It’s very intelligent.

“People aren’t used to that in the league. When a guy is winning his space and protecting the ball and using his body in the way Armando does, it becomes different and agitating to people.”

It’s something he appears to revel in. He’ll go down and stay down and draw yellow cards against opposing players.