USF Soccer Standout Victor Cortez Chosen By San Jose in MLS Supplemental Draft
1/18/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
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.
