Monterey Bay F.C. announced today that the club has signed center-forward Christopher Cortez ahead of its inaugural season in the USL Championship.
Cortez began his professional career with Chivas USA in 2011 after spending four years with the club’s youth academy and made nine appearances. After his time with Chivas USA he joined USL Championship side Orange County SC, where he scored 20 goals in 63 matches from 2013-2015.
The forward then spent three seasons with Phoenix Rising FC and scored 29 goals in 76 career appearances before joining Thai club Ayutthaya United in 2019. After two more short stints overseas in Denmark and the Czech Republic with FC Helsingør and 1. FK PÅíbram, Cortez then returned to the Championship in 2021 with Miami FC.
“I’ve worked with Chris during my time at Phoenix Rising FC,” explained Monterey Bay F.C. Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop. “He is a proven goal scorer and a very versatile forward. We’re happy to have him.”
The Mission Viejo, California native is looking forward to reuniting with Yallop and has some personal ties to the Monterey area.
“I’m very excited to be here and really excited to reunite with Frank again. He was a big reason I came here. I worked with him in Phoenix and it was fantastic, it led to some great things over there and I’m hoping to repeat that here as well,” said Cortez. “For me, I also have a bit of a connection here. My sister went to California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and played soccer here on the women’s team, so I’m familiar with the area and that will help with the transition. Anytime I need anything I’ll know I can call her.”
Cortez’ younger sister, Ashlee, was also a forward and recorded eight goals and four assists in 65 career matches for CSUMB before graduating in 2017. She was very happy to learn about her brother’s next stop and looks forward to watching him play at Cardinale Stadium.
“I’m extremely excited to watch my brother play professional soccer on my alma mater campus,” said Ashlee Cortez. “I have always been beyond proud to be Christopher’s number one fan, but being able to watch him play with Monterey Bay F.C. makes it that much more special. I have so many great memories with CSUMB Soccer, and I’m sure we’ll make many more with MBFC. I will definitely be making it to as many soccer games as I can, certainly trying to be the loudest in the stands.”
Player Information:
Name: Christopher Cortez
Position: Forward
Age: 33
Height: 6’4”
Hometown: Mission Viejo, California
Monterey Bay F.C. roster as of February 4, 2022:
Goalkeepers:
Dallas Jaye (Danville, California)
Rafael Díaz (Paterson, New Jersey)
Defenders:
Midfielders:
Forwards:
Walmer Martínez (Santa Cruz, California)
Chase Boone (Beaverton, Oregon)
Seku Conneh (Voinjama, Liberia)
Christian Volesky (Henderson, Nevada)
Christoper Cortez (Mission Viejo, California)
