Imad Baba

Early career

Baba's father moved to Texas from Palestine. Baba was born and raised in Texas. In 1990, he was given a trial at Manchester United, but failed to impress. He was the 1992 Texas High School Player of the Year and a four-time Parade Magazine high school All-American, the only player to earn that honor four times. After high school, he attended the Clemson University where he played on the men's soccer team for three seasons from 1993 to 1995. A varsity starter as a freshman, Baba elected to skip his last season in order to turn professional.

Professional career

On March 4, 1996, the New England Revolution selected Baba in the second round (16th overall) of the 1996 MLS College Draft. Baba spent five seasons in total with the Revs. He made his first appearance for the club on July 31 in a home win against the San Jose Clash, coming on as a 68th-minute substitute for Peter Woodring. His first start came on August 16 in a home win against the Colorado Rapids. He scored his first goal for the Revolution on August 31 against the Tampa Bay Mutiny. He finished the 1997 New England Revolution season as the team's joint-top scorer (alongside Alberto Naveda). Baba was named MLS Player of the Week in week 5 of the 2000 New England Revolution season after recording a brace against DC United on April 15. He finished the 2000 campaign with 9 goals and 8 assists, second only to Wolde Harris in scoring. He became a free agent on December 21, 2000. On March 19,…

Baba's brother, Nidal, also became a professional soccer player with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. The two brothers also played together on the United States U16 national team.