The Kenny Cooper allocation cash is already being put to use by the New York Red Bulls.

Keeping with Coach Mike Petke’s decree, the organization is reinforcing it’s depth and turning to Portland to provide the talent. According to Soccer By Ives, the Red Bulls have acquired American midfielder Eric Alexander from the Portland Timbers for a reported $75k in allocation money. The Timbers would also pay part of his 2013 salary, listed at $56,925 a year.

A former member of the 2010 F.C. Dallas team that made it’s way to the MLS Cup, Alexander, 24, impressed his rookie season but cooled off during his time in Portland. The Red Bulls hope bringing him to New York with some familiar faces in Dax McCarty and Heath Pearce can reignite the fearlessness that once earned him a cap with the National Team.

Overall, Alexander brings New York some much needed depth in a thin midfield. The Red Bulls currently have Lloyd Sam, Juninho, Dax McCarty, Ruben Izquierdo and Tim Cahill on the books. Second round draft choice Ian Christianson remains unsigned with a host of other midfield options picked up during the supplemental draft.