Rider University
NCAA Division I (MAAC) · Lawrenceville, NJ
2024–2026
- 15 appearances in the 2024 season; member of the MAAC regular-season title-winning squad.
- Scored the game-winning goal in a 3–0 victory over Mount St. Mary's (Nov 6, 2024).
Football CV
William Baker
Midfielder · Portuguese & American (EU-eligible) · Class of 2026
New York, NY — open to relocation to Portugal
Date of Birth
13 Jan 2004 (22)
Height
6'1" (1.85 m)
Weight
165 lbs (75 kg)
Preferred Foot
Right
Position
Midfielder
Squad No.
13
i.
Profile
Four-year NCAA Division I midfielder developed within two championship programs (Rutgers – Big Ten; Rider – MAAC). A 6'1" central midfielder with a strong athletic frame, a goalscoring instinct (game-winner in 2024) and prolific youth output in MLS NEXT. Holds a Portuguese passport — fully EU-eligible, no work permit required — and is relocating to Portugal to pursue a professional career. Salary is not a determining factor; the priority is the right club and competitive minutes. Open to Liga 3 / Campeonato de Portugal level and to coaching/development roles.
ii.
Playing Experience
Rutgers University
NCAA Division I (Big Ten) · New Brunswick, NJ
2022–2023
- Member of a Big Ten program; first-team appearance vs. Saint Peter's (Sept 2023).
- Two years training daily in a top-tier Division I environment.
Metropolitan Oval Academy
MLS NEXT · New York, NY
- Led the club with 16 goals and 6 assists, competing in MLS NEXT (top U.S. youth league).
iii.
Portuguese Football Heritage & Local Ties
- Grandfather was a professional goalkeeper for FC Porto and the Portugal national team.
- Portuguese citizen with deep family roots in Porto; has supported the Obra do Padre Grilo orphanage in Porto annually since age six.
iv.
Honors & Education
- B.S. Communications & Journalism, Rider University — Cum Laude (May 2026).
- Repeated D1 Academic Achievement Awards (2024) and Dean's List (Rutgers & Rider).
Watch the highlight reel.
Watch the reelFull match footage and references available on request.