A Vision Board is Keeping Kimani Stewart-Baynes Grounded.

COMMERCE CITY – Kimani Stewart-Baynes is in the box, waiting for the cross to arrive. It feels like an eternity. He thinks about taking the ball down and shooting. He sees Djordje Mihailović out of the corner of his eye. The 19-year-olds heads the ball down for his teammate to tap it in with his knee. They run to the corner, all smiles. Mihailović gives the rookie s a piggyback ride on the way there.

Stewart-Baynes is having himself a fortnight. The MLS rookie just recorded his first goal contribution, assisting on the winning goal against LAFC. He just got back from a call up with Canada’s U20 team. It’s a lot to take in. He just wants to stay focused and work hard.

“I had a vision board back in 2021-2022. I put make the Canadian National Team on it. It was a surreal moment for me,” the winger told Burgundy Wave.

“I’m aiming for big goals this year. Hopefully when I start getting minutes with the first team, I can keep that form going. The ultimate goal at the end of the year is Rookie of the Year and winning MLS Cup.”

KSB, as his University of Maryland teammates call him, is flying high after his time with the national team. That helped him catch up fitness wise after missing some time with a few small injuries in preseason and an illness a few weeks ago.

“When I was with the national team, the coaches gave me a lot of freedom to express myself. Coming back here, I brought a level of confidence back with me. Happy that I got to show it on the field today.”

He’s now made two appearances for the first team. He’s got a game-winning assist. He’s even gotten two starts for Rapids 2 to support his fitness.

The Generation Adidas player even said he’s crossing accomplishments off that vision board as he accomplishes them, to draw further focus on the goals he still has to reach.

“I set my goals and have high standards. I’ve been working hard to do what I did today. Just happy I got the chance to get that assist today,” KSB said after the LAFC game.

“From an emotional standpoint, and an ‘I belong here,’ I’m sure he takes a few steps forward. He’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’s fearless. I love that he gets to be part of it. He’ll come back taller (next week),” Head Coach Chris Armas added.

He appears to be up to the game physically. So far, he seems to be more into buildup play and staying inside. He’s worked hard defensively as well.

“For tonight Kimani, his confidence helps us. On the flank, (he’s) fast. He takes people on. It’s really helpful for our team,” R2 captain Marlon Vargas said.

We haven’t seen enough runs in behind to open the game up. We’ve yet to see a cross into the box from out wide. He hasn’t had enough game time show where he’s at technically or tactically. These are the next steps. This team needs to execute in the final third.

At his position in particular, that’s the difference between speed merchant with potential and a bonafide MLS difference maker. But he showed in one year at Maryland he can be effective on the bench. He’s off to a great start as a Burgundy Boy.

With roommate Wayne Frederick II and other young players, he’s got a mix of young players to feel welcome and MLS veterans to show him the way.

“Being a professional is all about consistency. On and off the pitch. (The veterans) are in the gym two hours before training even starts. That’s been the biggest eye opener for me,” the Maryland Terrapin said.

If he keeps it up, he could challenge for his first start. Another thing to cross off that vision board on his way to the U20 World Cup and maybe Rookie of the Year.

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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