RSL’s Corey Baird Makes National Team Debut

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Real Salt Lake forward Corey Baird made his first appearance with the United States Men’s National Team in their 3-0 win over Panama in a friendly.

The reigning Major League Soccer Rookie of the Year got the start for the U.S. and played 75 minutes while recording an assist.

Starting on the right wing, Baird made a consistent impact in the match, providing the setup for Dorde Mihailovic’s goal in the 40th minute of play.

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 (@ussoccer_mnt) January 28, 2019

The play began with midfielder Cristian Roldan finding forward Gyasi Zardes who played Baird off of his left shoulder in space. Baird played a first-time ball across the penalty area that connected on the run of Milhailovic who’s first-time shot easily found the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.

In addition to his assist, Baird nearly found a goal himself mid-way through the first half but couldn’t find the back of the net with the ball skipping just wide of the far post.

Baird left the match after 75 minutes, the U.S. scored their second goal shortly after his substitution. In the 89^th minute, LAFC’s Christian Ramirez tapped in the game’s third goal, solidifying the USMNT win in Arizona in Head Coach Gregg Berhalter’s first match at the helm for USMNT.

Coming off the 3-0 win over Panama, Baird and the USMNT will face Costa Rica at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California on Saturday. The match can be seen on ESPN2 at 1:30 p.m.

What a night. Definitely one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Thank you to everyone who came out and made this such a special moment in my career. Now onto the next one against Costa Rica! #USMNT https://t.co/GMSEwz1edH

— Corey Baird (@bairdy_23) January 28, 2019