PLAYER SCOUTING REPORT
Currently planning to take a gap year and reclassify to 2026 so he can spend a season in Europe. One of the most technically gifted players to come out of the Houston area in years, Kortay is a quick and clever winger that torments defenders with his 1v1 attacking ability and lethal finishing. Kortay is a versatile player as well, equally excelling in all positions across the front three and as an attacking midfielder. With 4 years at the Houston Dynamo Academy and 8 total years at the USSDA and MLS Next level under his belt, Kortay's experience at the highest level of youth soccer sets his game intelligence and ability on the ball apart from his peers. Kortay's level of play attracts international suitors as well, spending Summer 2023 with the Manchester City U18s, and Spring 2024 with Goztepe of the Turkish first division. Additionally, Kortay was invited to train with CF Fuenlabrada of the Spanish third division in Fall 2024 - he plans to join their U23 side in Spring 2025. Kortay is a 3x 1st Team All-State and 3x 1st Team All-District 19-6A forward, and was named the 2023 Houston Chronicle Boys Soccer Player of the Year and the 2024 THSCA Texas Midfielder of the Year. At the high school level, Kortay leads his high school in all time goals (64)
EVALUATED
JAN 7, 2025
ACCOLADES AND BACKGROUND
2024/25 (Senior): Kortay will spend his senior season with GFI Academy U19 MLS Next, and afterwards will take a gap year to reclassify to a 2026. Was named a 2024 MLS Next All-Star. Was named an MLS Next U19 'Player to Know' by TopDrawerSoccer. Has 18 goals and 8 assists in 26 games played as of the mid-season. Spent two weeks with Spanish third division side Fuenlabrada CF, was offered a spot with their U23s for his upcoming gap year.
2023/24 (Junior): Led Seven Lakes HS in goals (22) to their second consecutive 6A Texas State Title, was a 1st Team All-State and 1st Team All-District selection, named by the THSCA as the Texas 6A Midfielder of the Year. Invited to train with the first team of Goztepe (TUR, 1) in Spring 2024 and partook in a midseason friendly against Manisa. Projected to return to Turkey upon turning 18 in December, but wants to evaluate options. Started as a forward for Twin City Toucans in the USL League Two, led his side in goals (6).
2022/2023 (Sophomore): Guided Seven Lakes HS in goals (21) to the 6A Texas State Title, 1st Team All-State and 1st Team All-District selection, Houston Chronicle Boys Soccer Player of the Year, Invited to train with Manchester City's U18s in Summer 2023 and partook in preseason friendlies against Bolton Wanderers and MK Dons collecting a goal and two assists, started as a forward for AC Houston Sur in the USL League Two.
2021/22 (Freshman): Led Seven Lakes HS in goals (21) as a freshman, District 19-6A Newcomer of the Year, 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-Region, Invited to train with Feyenoord's U-16 Academy, started as a forward for AC Houston Sur in the USL League Two.
Prior to High School: Competed for the Houston Dynamo Academy for 4 seasons.
UPDATED BY TAYGUN KOC
SEP 13, 2024
