On Tuesday, Real Salt Lake forward and reigning AT&T MLS Rookie of the Year Corey Baird made his third start for the U.S. Men’s National Team during an international friendly against Chile.
As the US continues its evolution under Head Coach Gregg Berhalter, Baird has been a point of consideration as one of Major League Soccer’s brightest young stars and has now been selected to the team twice since Berhalter took the reins in December 2018.
Starting on the right wing for Berhalter, Baird continually provided a threat out wide for the Stars-and-Stripes, helping the USMNT to a 1-1 draw with Chile – currently ranked No. 13 in the FIFA world rankings - at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. Baird’s threatening play from the wings nearly resulted in a goal midway through the first half as he attempted to strike a first-time volley on goal from inside the box. Baird made way for Montreal Impact midfielder Daniel Lovitz after 56 minutes, capping March camp for the RSL standout.
Baird received his first senior call-up to the USMNT in January after his standout rookie season for RSL. During the nearly month-long January camp Baird shone, starting the two matches during camp and registering the match-winning assist in his first game with the team. Now finished with his second camp Baird will look to improve upon playing on the international stage when he rejoins RSL later this week.
Baird, 22, is in his second year with Real Salt Lake after signing prior to the 2018 season. A product of Real Salt Lake’s Academy, he has one assist in three matches this season for RSL (1-2-1, 4 points) after leading all rookies in scoring with eight goals, adding five assists in 2018.
Real Salt Lake will host FC Dallas on Saturday, March 30 at Rio Tinto Stadium with kick off set for 7:00p MT. Fans can secure tickets by going to RSL.com or by calling 844.REAL.TIX.
