SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake forward Corey Baird has been called up to the United States Men’s National Team by manager Gregg Berhalter for the second time in his young career.

The U.S. team is preparing for two friendlies starting on March 21 against Ecuador and ending with Chile on March 26.

“Getting a second call-up is awesome,” Baird said.  “I’m looking forward to getting into a camp that some of the European guys are into and I’m hoping to do what I did last camp to impress Berhalter and become a guy he can trust to call in to camp and rely on.”

Called to represent the red, white, and blue 🇺🇸

Details ➡️ https://t.co/AzOUil7UmB pic.twitter.com/zlKyHvVrMj

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 12, 2019

Corey Baird debuted for the national team on January 27, as he started on the wing against Panama. In the 40th minute of his debut, Baird fed the ball across the box for Djordje Mihailovic to slot away a goal.

“Corey has earned these call-ups,” RSL Head Coach Mike Petke said.  “In the first two games he’s had a hand in both of our goals.  He’s continuing his form from last year.  We are thrilled for Corey and this is fully-deserved.”

Debut and goal! @DjoMihailovic scores the first goal of the Gregg Berhalter era!

🇺🇸 leads 🇵🇦 1-0 in the 40'! pic.twitter.com/Xo29Lw3QMD

— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) January 28, 2019

This upcoming camp is much more serious, with the Gold Cup quickly approaching and Berhalter will use the friendlies against Ecuador and Chile as a test for his team ahead of the Gold Cup.

The Gold Cup is the main associated football competition that determines a continental champion between North America, Central America and the Caribbeans. This summer between June 15 and July 7, the U.S. will have a chance to tie Mexico with seven Gold Cup titles to lead all countries.