Christoforos Kourtis was named ”2021 Café D’Arte Coffee Cup MVP” following an inspirational performance in Portland’s comeback win over Seattle on Friday. The ”Coffee Cup” celebrates one of US soccer’s traditional rivalries with the two schools representing the premiere cities of the Pacific Northwest region pitted against each other.
Seattle took a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute and doubled their lead in the 33rd minute. Portland managed to cut Seattle’s lead to one before the end of the first half, thanks to a penalty taken by Kourtis. Portland came out strong in the second half, equalizing from a second penalty kick. The Portland Pilots finally took the lead back from Seattle in the 59th minute. Fellow JSA athlete, George Tasouris launched a goal kick well past midfield, setting up his teammates for the 3rd and final goal in an incredible comeback win. Kourtis who missed the spring season with injury has been a key player for Portland this fall, starting in every game so far this season.