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Tai Baribo, Philadelphia UnionGetty Images
Tom Hindle

'It's all about momentum' - Philadelphia Union striker Tai Baribo on goalscoring abilities, the club's MLS Cup ambitions, being an All-Star

GOAL Convo: The striker has enjoyed a breakout season for the Union, and has continued to score as Philadelphia pushes for MLS Cup

Tai Baribo was scared. He was in Israel representing his national team, traveling back home simply to play football. A lingering calf injury kept him away from the squad, but he elected to travel to his native land, anyway.

And then the conflict escalated, Israel and Iran, missiles fired back and forth. It was late June, and the embassies and airports were shuttered. Baribo had nowhere to go.

"And because of the war, the embassy got closed. And also, the border, so there were no flights. I was stuck there for almost for two weeks. It was tough for me, no training, because you can't go out. Also, there are alarms all the time. It was scary," Baribo told GOAL.

It certainly brought things into perspective, especially in the scope of what has been an excellent season for the forward. When Baribo finally made it back back, had to undergo something of a reset. 

Still, this remains his best season in America yet. Baribo has scored 15 goals in MLS. He was named to the All-Star squad - and also found the net in that game. Football has never been better, but there are reminders that some things are bigger than what happens on the pitch. 

Baribo discussed the Union's improvement, his goalscoring nous and the tense moments in Israel in the latest GOAL Convo, a Q&A with central figures in the American soccer scene.

NOTE: This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.

  • Philadelphia Union v Charlotte FCGetty Images Sport

    ON THE UNION'S IMPROVEMENT

    GOAL: Why are the Union so good this year?

    BARIBO: I think it's about the players, about the characters. Obviously, every team has good players. But there's something special in the dressing room. There is no ego. We are fighting for each other. We are really back with one big unit, with the staff, new coach, everybody.

    GOAL: But what's different from last year, when you guys struggled to get much going?

    BARIBO: Last season was bad. But you know, it can happen. I mean, if you're looking for the key, it's all about momentum. Everybody knows their own system in the league. But it doesn't matter which system you play, you have to emphasize the basics, fight for each other and fight until the end. Sure.

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    ON ALL STAR SELECTIONS

    GOAL: What does it mean to be an All-Star? What's your perspective?

    BARIBO: For me, it's big privilege. It's amazing. You know, because there are over 600 players in this league, and they choose only 25, 26 to be a part of it. It's amazing, and it means you did something in the season. It just gives me a reason to work more, work harder to be here next season.

    GOAL: Is there a vindication almost? Does it give you confidence, too?

    BARIBO: No, because if I wasn't selected, it wouldn't take my confidence down. When I was I selected, it didn't take my confidence up, because I am a very religious guy. I believe that everything is from God, and he gave me everything. So he can take everything, so it's nothing from me, I tried my best, and everything is from him. So nothing will take my confidence, or will take my confidence up or down.

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    ON TENSE MOMENTS IN ISRAEL

    GOAL: What happened when you were in Israel?

    BARIBO: Wow, that was tough. I went to a game down there. And because of the war, the embassy got closed. And also, the border, so there were no flights. I was stuck there for almost for two weeks. It was tough for me, no training, because you can't go out. Also, there are alarms all the time. It was scary, but thank God, I'm good. My family is good.

    GOAL: Did that affect your game at all? Worry about the situation there, and being stuck there?

    BARIBO: I lost some rhythm. First of all, I got injured. And I lost rhythm, I missed some games because of the injury, and also because I was stuck in Israel. I was in a good moment before, and then got a little bit stuck. But fortunately, I scored again, which I needed to continue.