Defender Kortne Ford, a native of Olathe, KS signed with Sporting KC ahead of the 2022 MLS Season at the age of 25. After moving to Colorado when he was 12 years old, Ford joined the Colorado Rapids Academy and eventually signed with the first team as a homegrown.
After two professional seasons with Colorado where he racked up 33 starts in 35 appearances, injuries derailed the center back's career as he missed the 2019 and 2020 season. In his first year with Sporting, the defender stepped up for his new club, making 14 appearances. He scored his first goal for his hometown team in an Open Cup rout of Union Omaha at Children's Mercy Park in June, the same place he scored his first career MLS goal in 2017 as a member of the Rapids.
2022: Ford signed with Sporting KC in January before the start of the 2022 MLS season. MLS Regular Season: Started nine of 14 appearances, contributing to two clean sheets (802 minutes played). Made his Sporting KC debut on March 12 against the Colorado Rapids, entering the match as a substitute in the 81st minute. Earned his first start a week later at the Chicago Fire. Notched his first win on May 18 against the Rapids. His pass to Salloi did not count as an assist but set up a pivotal goal in a 2-1 victory. Started and played the full match in clean sheets against the Columbus Crew and New York City FC. Open Cup: Started two matches, scoring once (135 minutes played). Opened his Sporting scoring account in a Quarterfinals win over Union Omaha on June 22.
San Antonio FC (2021):
Went on loan to USL Championship side San Antonio FC for the 2021 season. Made 13 appearances for San Antonio and scored four goals. He played every minute in San Antonio’s playoff run last November, spearheading wins over San Diego Loyal SC and Rio Grande Valley Toros FC prior to a penalty shootout defeat against eventual league champions Orange County SC in the conference finals.
Colorado Rapids (2017-2018):
Signed with the Colorado Rapids as a homegrown player in 2017. Started 19 of 20 appearances for the Rapids accumulating 1727 minutes and scoring once. Ford made his MLS debut on April 9 against Sporting Kansas City and scored his first MLS goal against them on May 27. He was named MVP of the 2017 MLS Homegrown Game by heading home a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw against the Chivas de Guadalajara U-20s at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois in the Summer of 2017.
Ford played every minute in Colorado’s 2018 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League campaign and started in 14 of the team’s final 18 games during the 2018 MLS regular season. He suffered an injury and would miss the next two MLS seasons because of it.
COLLEGE:
In three standout seasons at the University of Denver, Ford was a two-time All-Summit League First Team selection and a Top Drawer Soccer Second Team All-America honoree in 2016. He started in all 62 college appearances, notching five goals and three assists, and led the Pioneers to their first NCAA Men’s College Cup appearance as a junior in 2016.
YOUTH:
Born in Olathe, Kansas, Ford played youth soccer in the Kansas City area before moving with his family to Colorado at age 12. He joined the Colorado Rapids Academy in 2012 and represented the club at the U-16 and U-18 levels, guiding the U-16s to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy National Finals in 2013.
