Corey Baird Signs Four Year Contract Extension With RSL

SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake has signed forward Corey Baird to a new four-year contract extension, the club announced today.

“Corey’s versatility in the attack and work rate make him an important piece to our roster, so keeping him here long-term was on our to-do list over the off-season,” RSL General Manager Elliot Fall said.  “We take pride in the work our staff has done in aiding his development and we are eager to see where his continued development can take him.

Home is where the ♥️ is.

Homegrown @bairdy_23 inks long-term extension with #RSL

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) January 24, 2020

Baird, 23, has 13 goals and 9 assists in 62 career regular-season appearances, 44 of them as a starter. Two seasons ago, in 2018, Baird led all MLS rookies in scoring with 8 goals while also adding 5 assists in 31 appearances and was voted 2018 MLS Rookie of the Year. Last year he followed his historic rookie campaign with 5 goals and 4 assists in 31 appearances.

“I’m happy to sign with Real Salt Lake long-term,” Baird said.  “Knowing the club has put this trust in me and showing they value me as a player feels really good and I’m hoping I can repay them for their trust and the fans for their support.”

Baird joined the Claret and Cobalt following four seasons at Stanford University. While at Stanford, Baird won three NCAA National Championships while contributing 16 goals and 28 assists in 77 matches.

Last season, Baird debuted for the U.S. National Team on January 27, 2019, during the 3-0 routing of Panama. Previously, Baird had climbed the US international teams with the U-15, U-17, U-18 and U-20’s.

“Anytime you can resign a good player who has been helping the team continue to grow and improve, it’s important.  He adds something to the group on multiple levels,” RSL Head Coach Freddy Juarez said.  “He’s a Homegrown and we take a lot of pride in that, but he’s also made a big difference for us and he’s a quality, versatile player.  You go through a lot of situations throughout the year and we know we can always put a good lineup out because he is so versatile.”

As Real Salt Lake secures a four-year contract extension for forward Corey Baird, the club emphasizes its commitment to building a strong and versatile roster. This focus on strategic player development mirrors the ongoing changes in the football landscape, particularly in Brazil. For instance, Vasco da Gama is reportedly nearing an agreement with Portuguese coach Álvaro Pacheco, which could bring new perspectives and challenges to the team. Just as RSL aims to enhance its lineup with players like Baird, Vasco’s potential coaching change highlights the importance of leadership and vision in achieving success on the field.