Chris Cortez


Christopher Michael Cortez is an American soccer player who plays for Danish club FC Helsingør.

Career

Youth and College

Cortez, who is of Mexican descent, attended the Trabuco Hills High School, where he earned South Coast League first-team all-league honors as both a junior and a senior, and led his team to the South Coast League Championship in 2005. He played club soccer for Pateadores, and played one year of college soccer at the University of California, Berkeley, before signing with Chivas USA's youth academy.
He went on to trial with Mexican side Pachuca in late 2010, before returning to the United States in early 2011 to train with Chivas USA's senior team. He participated in several of Chivas's preseason matches, and also played in the MLS Reserve Division, prior to officially turning professional.

Professional

Cortez was formally signed by Chivas USA on May 15, 2011, and was immediately added to the club's game day roster. He made his professional debut the same day, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls.
Cortez was released by Chivas USA on February 26, 2012.
He then played for the Orange County Blues, scoring 20 goals in 63 games.

Arizona United SC

Cortez signed with Arizona United on March 19, 2016. Cortez finished the 2016 season with three goals and three assists.

Phoenix Rising FC

In November 2016, Arizona United re-branded as Phoenix Rising FC. Cortez finished his second season with the Phoenix USL franchise with five goals and team leading five assists, and earned USL Team of the Week honors in Week 23 of the season.
Cortez had a record setting 2018 season, tallying 19 goals on 81 shots, and appearing in 33 games. His performance set a club record for goals in a season and career goals. On December 4, 2018, Cortez announced that he would not return to the club in favor of a chance to play in the Thailand League 1.

FC Helsingør

On 8 August 2019, Cortez joined Danish 2nd Division club FC Helsingør on a free transfer.