Men’s soccer forward Evan Baker has started the season off strong after a consistent series of performances led to goals and victory for the Cardinals.
The junior scored two goals and chipped in two assists across two games. His brace against Northwood, which earned him the GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week award, took the Cardinals to a 5-0 victory.
Head coach Louis Barrow commented on Baker’s versatility and instincts in the field.
“His first goal, he picked the ball up on the halfway line and was just really direct, really aggressive towards the goal,” Barrow said. “In a different light, the second goal was more like a goal … he just picked the ball out of the pocket so to speak … two vastly different goals, [which] speaks to his skill set.”
Baker, being ambidextrous, uses his right and left feet to stun the opponents.
“I think what is unique about Evan is that is very ‘both footed’ … I still don’t know which is better: his right or his left foot,” Barrow said. “He can go both ways around defenders and he can serve balls into the box with both feet as well.”
Baker has been developing as a player since childhood, cherishing the memories with his father, who sparked his love for the game.
“Being able to create opportunities and finish them in games has always been my favorite part,” Baker said.
Barrow reflected on Baker’s progress from when he was a freshman.
“I think why we recruited Evan as a freshman was because of his technical ability,” Barrow said. “How we developed Evan over the last couple of years is really develop[ing] his off-the-ball game.”
Barrow also echoed that sentiment owing to the large influx of players since January.
“I just think that we are evolving … we haven’t changed our morals or values or principles of play per se,” Barrow said. “[Evan is] someone who lets the boys know he can be relied on in those moments to score goals, which is the hardest thing in the game to do.”
Barrow credited Baker’s success to his ability to play in high-pressure situations. Baker not only embraces them but relishes them.
“I’ve always enjoyed [pressure] for some reason,” Baker admitted, “[I take] multiple deep breaths when I am starting to feel the pressure build up, and lean on my teammates [which makes] the situation we are in seem less of what it is”.
Baker hopes to make the team a team to be feared in the conference.
“I am always playing each game at a time,” Baker said. “A win for us [against Davenport] will make a big statement to the rest of the conference to show that we are just as good as [we] were last year [or] dare I say even better than last year”.
Baker is still focused on team success despite many personal accomplishments.
“This year is special to us as a team, especially because in years prior, we have not won anything as a team,” Baker said. “Achieving success will completely depend on our team chemistry on and off the field [and] this year I do believe we have that.”
