Sporting Kansas City defender Kortne Ford was formally recognized today for his standout performance in Sporting’s draw against the Columbus Crew on Saturday night, receiving a nod to the MLS Team of the Week presented by Audi.
Ford, who made his first start at Children’s Mercy Park as a member of Sporting KC on Saturday, paced the team with three clearances. The defender completed 82 percent of his passes and had 108 touches on the ball.
In the 15th minute of Saturday’s contest, Ford made a spectacular defensive play, sliding in to block the initial attempt before scurrying to his feet to deny a second chance as well. In the 75th minute, he maintained Sporting’s clean sheet, intervening on a Crew centering pass and blasting it away on the doorstep.
An Olathe native, Ford joined Sporting KC ahead of the 2022 MLS regular season after four seasons with the Colorado Rapids and a brief stint with San Antonio FC in the USL Championship. He has started two of four appearances for Sporting this season and this is his third career selection to the MLS Team of the Week.
Team of the Week (3-4-3, left to right): William Yarbrough (COL) – Derrick Williams (LA), Aaron Long (RBNY), Kortne Ford (SKC) – Taxi Fountas (DC), Emanuel Reynoso (MIN), Kellyn Acosta (LAFC), Cristian Espinoza (SJ) – Maxi Urruti (ATX), Leonardo Campana (MIA), Jesus Jimenez (TOR)
Another home match looms for Ford and Sporting Kansas City as they host FC Dallas at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday, April 30. The contest will kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT with live coverage on 38 The Spot and in the Sporting KC mobile app via Sporting One.
