University of Connecticut Athletics
Forko Shines In Major League Soccer Rookie Season
5/16/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
SALT LAKE CITY (May 16, 2006) - Former University of Connecticut men’s soccer player Willis Forko (Houston, Texas) is quickly making his presence known in his first season with Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Real Salt Lake. The defender has played and started in each of the last two matches, helping RSL (1-5-1) to its first victory of the season and first-ever on the road against the LA Galaxy, 3-0, Saturday in Carson, Calif.
Prior to making the start against the Galaxy, Forko moved into the starting line-up vs. the Columbus Crew just a week earlier.
"I thought Willis did well," said RSL coach John Ellinger following the rookie’s appearance against the Crew. Forko stepped into the starting spot at left back in place of the injured Daniel Torres just prior to the contest.
Forko has played in 162 minutes thus far in 2006 and is expected to continue to contribute in the coming weeks with fellow RSL defenders Eddie Pope and Douglas Sequeira off training for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
As a Husky, Forko finished his career as a two-time All-BIG EAST selection, playing and starting in all 65 games in his three years at UConn after transferring from South Carolina. He took 22 shots, scoring three goals and tallying 15 assists during his career in Storrs. In January, he and former teammate Mpho Moloi (Soweto, South Africa) became the 13th and 14th players to be drafted into the MLS under Head Coach Ray Reid.
