Of the early going position battles, probably the most intriguing among Dynamo Fandom is at RW. With the attack struggling to create chances and score goals, forums and social media are full of asking one thing: why does Corey Baird start? From online petitions to FREE PASH MONEY to tons of discussions on Twitter, Reddit, and Big Soccer, this is probably the position that #ForeverOrange faithful feel the strongest about. Without considering newly acquired Thiaghuinho to the mix yet, here's a look at the two players in as non-biased way as I can muster.
Corey Baird
Coming into the season, Baird had played about half his career as a winger/outside midfielder. Having been fairly up and down production during his career, Baird has been a fairly productive player from the Wing position, especially on the left flank. While the numbers aren't tremendous, posting a total of 10 goals and 8 assists from basically a year's worth of play (32 appearances, 2500 minutes played) from the left side isn't anything to be ashamed of. While that is spread out over 5 seasons, it's still plenty of experience at the position. The most minutes Baird has ever played there in one season is 980 during his sophomore season. Last year, before coming to the Dynamo, Baird played 512 of his 750 minutes on the wing, posting all 3 goals and both assists from those positions.
Strengths
There was a time, not soo long ago, when Baird was clocked as MLS's fastest player. Baird is a high work rate guy who dwarfs Pasher in terms of Defensive stats. His 31 pressures in the attacking third ranks 22nd in the league and is only behind Sebastian Ferreira for the Dynamo lead. Baird has actually outdone Fafa Picault (17) in terms of applying pressure from the top. Baird ranks 3rd in Interceptions (5), has won 2 tackles, and his 22 balls recovered rank 6th on the team. Baird isn't scared to mix it up and go after balls. Between his recoveries, tackles, and interceptions, he's won back 30 possessions for the Dynamo in 316 minutes played. Bairds pressure success rate (27%) ranks first on the team among starting forwards (only Thor ranks better on the team). He's done a good job holding down the wing and defending players with the ball at their feet (2/3 in Dribblers defended). Baird makes also well-timed runs into open space and is usually available in possession. Baird has 129 touches through his first 316 minutes of play, which isn't bad considering he's not one of the primary options with Quintero, Fafa, and Sebas playing with him up top. Of his 129 touches, 65 are in the attacking third (4th on team), 10 are inside the opponents' penalty box (4th). He's helping the Dynamo move the ball down the field, as his 15 progressive carries rank 3rd on the team, and his 17 deep balls received rank only behind Fafa (22). Baird has been a valuable part of helping with playing "Proactive" in the early part of the season, helping win the ball back high and looking to take advantage of defensive errors. Also, Baird has done a good job switching wings with Fafa in the flow of the game, allowing Fafa to roam to the side he finds as a better matchup and rolling into position without hiccup or mistake.
Weaknesses
Basically, anything involving ball skill. Baird has yet to beat 1 player with the dribble this year (0/7). His passing rate (77.3%) is among the worst on the team, but also best among the front 4. Baird's lone assist this year was a mishit chopper that was accurate, but poorly hit. Baird has only attempted 6 crosses, on the year, and the ones he has hit have been nowhere near the mark. He's also extremely one-footed, of the 95 passes he's attempted, 82 have been with his right foot. His 1.71 Shot Creating actions per 90 rank 161st in MLS. Baird has only managed 3 shots through the first 4 games, none of which have been on target. His 0.85 Shots/90 are good for 185th in MLS. Long story short, he's providing almost nothing on the wing going forward.
Why he should start:
Because he fits the system concept of defending from the front and taking what the defense gives you through patient buildup and smart, well-timed runs.
Why he should sit:
Because he offers little in the way of chance creation or goal scoring.
Tyler Pasher
Pasher came over last year after a couple of standout years playing for USL's Indy 11. The Canadian-born Pasher has a heavy left foot. Posting 23 goals and 6 assists over his last two years there, Pasher came off his best year as a pro earning 2nd Team All USL-Championship honors. Pasher got off to a blazing start last year under Tab Ramos, posting 3 goals and 2 assists through his first 8 appearances in #ForeverOrange. He was directly involved in 5 of the Dynamo's first 11 goals, before injuries and a couple of stints playing for Team Canada derailed his time on the field. Mostly a Center Forward throughout his career, Baird has seen a lot of action on the wings as well. Posting a total of 3200 over 39 appearances minutes on the wing, there's a good sample size to see what Pasher can do from this position, albeit most of the sample size comes from the Championship. Pasher has had a tuff time seeing the field this year and had a very hard time seeing the field last year after returning from his last injury stint. Pasher hasn't made a start of any kind since September 3rd, 2021, during a 2-0 home loss to Portland where he left with a 48th-minute injury. While he's been highly productive in the ratios, he's had trouble finding the field.
Strengths
Pasher plays direct. He's not scared to take on defenders, he plays with pace, and if he cuts back inside to his left foot he's extremely dangerous. Pasher can fire lasers and has done so a few times in his time here already. His passing accuracy, the sheer number of passes he played (.39 passes per minute in a Dynamo uniform), his production (5 goals and 2 assists in 881 MLS minutes played), and his shooting efficiency (5 goals on 15 shots, 60% Shots On Target) is all among the MLS's best. His 60% SOT would rank 3rd in MLS over the last two years if he had enough shots to qualify. Pasher times his runs well and does a good job cutting in behind and finding space. He can finish with either foot, even though he prefers his left. Pash Money creates chances. His 5.29 Shot Creating Actions/90 would currently rank 7th in MLS if he had enough minutes to qualify, and his 3.29 last year bettered both Baird (1.99) and Fafa (1.90) Pasher's attacking ability and movement are much needed up top for a team struggling to find goals.
Tyler Pasher with the earlyyyy goal! 🔥@HoustonDynamo take the lead! #HOUvCIN pic.twitter.com/FzXtUG13iL
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 4, 2021
Weaknesses:
Defending. Pasher isn't a defensive forward by any means. While last year he was effective at applying pressure (91 pressures, 36% success rate) he only managed 13 tackles + interceptions in 881 minutes played. He doesn't recover balls at a high rate (44 in 881 minutes, as compared to Baird's 23 in 362 minutes). Pasher isn't a guy who is going to win you extra possessions through the course of a game.
Why he should start:
Because he's the most creative winger we currently have on the roster. Pasher is a direct player that helps the team create chances and score goals.
Why he should sit:
Two reasons: (1) his defending isn't a scheme or mentality fit. (2) He's the only creative player we currently have coming off the bench.
Final Thoughts:
If we could put the two together, we'd have a really good winger. But being that the two have have vastly different skill sets, and are oppositely strong food, I could actually see them working in tandem based on matchup. I'd love to see Pasher start against teams like Colorado, Sporting K.C., etc that press hard in the midfield and open up the wings. I could see Baird as a better fit against San Jose, NYCFC, and Austin FC which are really dominating possession this year. I would like to see Pasher get a start here in the near future, but I don't think that there is a clear favorite between the two. I think Paulo has to choose based on matchup/need of the moment.
Next Up:
Zeka vs. Dorsey
Thanks again for reading,
Remember to #HoldItDown and stay #ForeverOrange
Brian
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