Baker set for Revolution
Shelbourne star Richie Baker will play his last game for the eircom League champions against Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park tonight before jetting off to the United States to pursue a career in Major League Soccer.
Baker has been a key player in the Reds’ title assault this season, coming back into the side to excellent effect earlier this month after sitting out a game in manager Pat Fenlon’s squad rotation system.
His introduction proved the catalyst to Shelbourne’s crucial come-from-the-dead victory over tonight’s opponents at Tolka a month ago, scoring one and creating another as Shels recovered from a 2-0 half-time deficit to win 4-2. In the spectrum of games this season, it stands out as a major night in the destiny of the league title.
Baker, still only 23, made his debut as a raw teenager five years ago, and became a vital player as Shels won three league titles in three seasons. And he is delighted that his current spell with Shels has come to an end on a real high.
He told the Irish Independent: “I’ve done a lot in the five years I’ve been playing in the eircom League. It’s been unbelievable and I couldn’t really ask for more. I’m really looking forward to giving it a go [in the US]. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. I can always come back. The last couple of weeks I’ve been flying and I really wanted to leave having won the league.”
Richie will be reunited in America with his girlfriend Nadia, and he revealed that the prior experience of Nadia’s father Eric Barber, who was capped twice by Ireland in the 1960s, was another factor in his decision to broaden his horizons.
Baker said: “[Eric has] talked to me about it and he enjoyed his time over there with Kansas City. He did really well and was top goalscorer there for a while. He said that while I was young I might as well give it a go. All the players at Shelbourne have also been telling me that now is the right time to go.”
His first trial will take place next week with Boston’s MLS side New England Revolution, who are coached by former Liverpool great Steve Nicol.
Revolution is the club of 100-cap USA international and former Everton forward Joe-Max Moore as well as Irish-American striker Pat Noonan, who is tipped for a big international future, either with Brian Kerr’s Irish side or that of his homeland.
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