An attacking player’s goal is to score goals. Although the dimensions surrounding it are different, the objective is still the same: get the ball across the line.
Realising that only one, two, or up to three players can receive credit for a goal contribution is a part of playing team football. Mathematically, there is one player remaining on the pitch out of 11 players. Successful team football sometimes involves a group of eleven players coming up with and carrying out a well-thought-out plan to score.
Ultimately, though, a pass or shot must be made by someone in order to get the ball into the net. One of FC Cincinnati’s newest offensive talents, Corey Baird, recently finished a year where he did just that. A lot.
The 28-year-old forward had a breakout year in 2023 after spending three years in and out of clubs. This offseason, he signed a two-year contract with FC Cincinnati, with a third-year option. The California native scored a career-high 14 goals and eight assists across all competitions in a club-high 47 appearances for the Houston Dynamo last season, which helped the team win the U.S. Open Cup and earn a position in the Western Conference Finals.
Entering his seventh MLS season, Baird now hopes to contribute to FC Cincinnati’s already impressive scoring arsenal while also bringing that finishing touch to the team.
After the team defeated the New England Revolution 2-0 in a preseason friendly last week, Baird stated, “I want to be a part of those final actions, that’s getting the goals and assists.” “Those crucial moments, in my opinion, are what distinguish a good forward. Thus, even though you can accomplish a lot on the field, I’m constantly striving to improve if you’re not having an effect on the score.
For the Stanford alumnus, the previous season represented a type of comeback. His direct scoring output levelled off in 2018 after he broke through as a homegrown player for Real Salt Lake, recording an eight-goal, six-assist performance to claim the MLS Rookie of the Year title. He was traded to LAFC in 2021 as a hot commodity, and he soon went to Houston Dynamo FC.
The shift in environment, adjustments to his position, adjustments to his role, departures from teammates, and overall dislocation prevented him from scoring as many points as he had during his first season.
However, that all changed in 2023 when Baird’s usage was maximised and he started to finally complete goal scoring chances. Houston was one of the best teams in the Western Conference, so that helped, as did the striker position he was required to fill. In contrast, his versatility as a winger or midfielder helped the squad succeed in earlier stints and seasons, but it also hurt his stats.
“I think that’s just something that comes with time, getting to know the guys on the pitch and what kind of service they like and what kind of runs they want me to be making.”
Since FC Cincinnati opened in early January, Baird has been involved in team activities, providing him with the maximum amount of opportunity to get to know the squad. This has been a desire of FCC head coach Pat Noonan, something he has often emphasised during the preseason. Baird hasn’t had a part in the club’s three preseason goals in the two friendly, but his performances have been excellent, so it seems more like a “when” than a “if.”
Regarding Baird’s standing with the squad, that is all that is still up in the air. Currently, Baird is positioned as the second striker behind Aaron Boupendza in a three-man offensive unit alongside 2023 Landon Donovan MLS MVP Luciano Acosta, in the configuration that Noonan used the most during the previous season. But Baird’s adaptability helps to make him a particularly excellent fit with the FCC.
In terms of positions, I’ve kind of hopped around in my career. I like to think that I can be of assistance in various capacities. In addition, I believe I have a solid grasp of when to do what based on the requirements of the team and a little more on stretching the game.
With so many games in 2024—three cup tournaments in addition to the 34-game Major League Soccer regular season—rotation and versatility in the starting lineup will be important. Baird’s versatility allows Noonan and his coaching staff more options. Baird can play a variety of different positions and responsibilities for the team.
That being said, Baird will have a higher chance of getting finishes if he is placed in the striker position, which usually results in more finishing possibilities. On the other hand, the expectations remain unchanged if he isn’t and is used in a new capacity.
With a smile, Baird said, “I already know myself.” “No matter what, I want to be a part of those finishing actions.”
A striker’s goal is to score. This is by no means a novel or unexpected development. It can be difficult to go in right away and steal points from guys who are dominating the game around you and have a track record of finishing. Fortunately for FCC, Baird can fit right in with Acosta’s playstyle because he has extensive experience playing with superstars.
In Houston, Baird was a teammate of MLS All-Star Héctor Herrera, a star player in the league who created a lot of excitement for MLS MVP (which went to Acosta in the end) but had long been a household name abroad. On their way to having outstanding 2023 seasons, Herrera and Acosta both filled the role of central attacking midfielders and roamed the pitch in a positionless creative capacity.
Even while playing alongside Acosta (as opposed to Herrera) is undoubtedly different in practice, knowing how to play off greatness is a very helpful skill if you want to make an impression this season in Orange and Blue.
Baird stated, “There are unquestionably parallels between Lucho and Hector.” “I’ve already noticed a few things where Lucho and I have worked well together.
In reference to his new captain, Baird continued, “He can do some magic with the ball.” Thus, sometimes all you have to do is wait for the next pass while you just have to be patient and let him beat the first guy.
Thus, there is still a learning curve as to what he wants from me, how to put him in better situations for us both, and how to work some magic once he is in those favourable situations. It simply need time. Reps and time.
Baird’s teammates know him well off the pitch, or maybe closer to it, because of his gregarious nature, willingness to be gregarious, and capacity for self-humor. He was called “the easiest hang” by one colleague, “got the right vibes” by another, and “a straight-up dude,” emphasising the word “dude.” His playstyle and interactions with teammates are indicative of this, but his goal celebrations stand out above the rest.
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