On the flight home from Real Salt Lake’s 3-2 win over LAFC in the Knockout Round of the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs, an exhausted Corey Baird tried to rest near the front of the team’s chartered plane. With his San Diego Padres hat pulled down over his eyes failing to block out the buzz of his teammates still lingering in the air and visions of RSL’s victory and the upcoming matchup with Sporting Kansas City.
Then RSL Head Coach Mike Petke walked down the aisle of the plane and asked for a word with the rookie forward.