It was April 18 in Cincinnati, and the second-year Real Salt Lake homegrown player’s shot rebounded straight to Rusnák for a shot that found the back of the net. Later, another attempt on goal by Baird was blocked only to find Johnson for the finish.
Baird remembers those plays well, even though they happened months ago. They’re indicative of the impact he feels he’s had on the field despite a dip in production compared to his breakout 2018 season in which he was named Rookie of the Year.
“I might not get on the stat sheet,” Baird told The Salt Lake Tribune this week, “but I still think I’m affecting the play.