One is a rookie homegrown player adjusting to life in the pro ranks, while the other is a seasoned striker seeking a return to the national team. Both should see quite a bit of each other this Saturday when the Rapids host Houston Dynamo (TICKETS).
Kortne Ford has started five of the last six league games, during which time he netted his first goal in MLS, the winner against Sporting Kansas City on May 27. He has been paired with Axel Sjöberg, Bobby Burling and Jared Watts in an ever-changing back four, and yet has shown maturity beyond his years in a key position.
Erick Torres, on the other hand, is on course for his best-ever season in MLS. Having failed to find the net for the Dynamo in two stop-start previous seasons, during which time he was loaned out, Torres has so far struck 11 times in 2017 and is the second-highest scorer in the league.
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Ford.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 200px;"> |
<p align="center"><br><br><br><br><br><strong>vs.</strong></p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Torres.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 200px;"> |
<p align="center">Kortne Ford</p> |
<strong>Name</strong> |
<p align="center">Erick Torres</p> |
<p align="center">24</p> |
<strong>No.</strong> |
<p align="center">9</p> |
<p align="center">Defender</p> |
<strong>Position</strong> |
<p align="center">Forward</p> |
<p align="center">21</p> |
<strong>Age</strong> |
<p align="center">24</p> |
<p align="center">6'2"</p> |
<strong>Height</strong> |
<p align="center">5'11"</p> |
<p align="center">185lbs</p> |
<strong>Weight</strong> |
<p align="center">168lbs</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/USA flag.jpg" style="opacity: 0.9; text-align: -webkit-center; width: 75px; height: 50px;"> |
<strong>Nationality</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Mexico flag.jpg" style="opacity: 0.9; text-align: -webkit-center; width: 75px; height: 50px;"> |
<p align="center">2017</p> |
<strong>First joined MLS</strong> |
<p align="center">2013</p> |
<p align="center">1st season</p> |
<strong>MLS Experience</strong> |
<p align="center">5th season</p> |
<p align="center">8</p> |
<strong>Appearances</strong> |
<p align="center">82</p> |
<p align="center">Rapids Development Academy, University of Denver</p> |
<strong>Previous clubs</strong> |
<p align="center">Chivas Guadalajara, Chivas USA, Cruz Azul</p> |
<p align="center">Ford is an accomplished collegiate center back whose physical presence was integral in Denver's success over the past few years. He has settled into a back line and, despite various partners in the center of defense, this rookie has grown in stature and confidence. His speed is also a great asset.</p> |
<strong>What they say …</strong> |
<p align="center">A true fox in the box striker who has a great burst of speed. Has the ability to find a small opening and finish difficult opportunities. His prolific finishing in MLS, first with Chivas USA in 2014 and now with the Dynamo in 2017, has put him back into the conversation for the Mexican national team.</p> |
