Cortez Continues Long Line of Dons in Professional Soccer
(San Francisco) –Former USF standout Victor Cortez (El Sobrante, CA) was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes in the third round of the 2011 Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft. A four-year starter for the Dons, Cortez served as team captain and helped the Dons capture the 2008 West Coast Conference Championship.
Cortez enjoyed an outstanding senior campaign and collected All-West Coast Conference honors for the third time. Since arriving on the Hilltop in 2007, Cortez made 60 starts in 71 matches. The 2007 Gus Donoghue Award winner, presented to the program's top newcomer, helped stabilize the league's top defense in 2008 as the Dons captured the WCC Championship.
"I am very pleased for Victor Cortez," USF head coach Erik Visser said. "During his career at USF, Cortez has developed into a versatile player with many tools. He is able to play a number of positions effectively and has the qualities to play at the MLS level. I am also pleased that our program is continuing to develop and nurture our players for the next level."
As a senior, Cortez emerged as a scoring threat, showcasing his offensive ability in dramatic fashion. Cortez scored two second half goals, including an equalizer with five seconds remaining at ancient Bay Area rival Santa Clara to force overtime.
"Victor was asked to play different positions throughout his career at USF and he rose to the challenge and produced," Visser said. "He was such a consistent performer throughout his entire career at USF. He will be difficult to replace."
Cortez becomes the fourth Don drafted by an MLS club since 2008. Conor Chinn, the 2008 WCC Player of the Year spent last season with the New York Red Bulls after being selected by the club in the fourth round in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft.
Former star Brandon McDonald has started 44 of 45 matches for the Earthquakes since 2009, after spending his rookie year playing on the Los Angeles Galaxy. Generation Adidas selection Rob Valentino was a first round draft pick by the New England Revolution and spent the 2009 season with the Colorado Rapids (USFAthletics).
2009 West Coast Conference Honorable Mention
2007 West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team
U.S. U-20 National Team
2009 SEASON – Enjoyed strong junior campaign and showcased his versatility… appeared in 18 matches with 17 starts… recorded lone goal of the season against San Diego (10/30) and also fired a season-high four shots against the Toreros.
2008 SEASON: Saw action in 17 matches with eight starting nods as a sophomore for the Dons... showcased versatility and played multiple positions in second season on theHilltop... recorded eight shots, two on frame, including one in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament at Cal (11/21).
MISCELLANEOUS:Â Selected to compete on the USU-20 National Team during its tour of November, 2007 tour of Argentina... recorded an assist against Buenos Aires (11/29).
2007 SEASON:Â Started 18 matches as a freshman for USF and played a key role on the Dons back line... played primarily in the central defender position... recorded a pair of shots against NewMexico (9/22) and against San Diego (11/18)... finished the season with six shots.
PRIOR TO SAN FRANCISCO:Â Four year varsity player at Miramonte High School... All-League as a junior and senior... 2007 High School All-American... 2003-2007 state ODP Player... played in Argentina with regional team, and went to Ireland with U-17 National team.
PERSONAL:Â Born January of 1987 in Richmond, CA...majoring in Exercise and Sports Science.
