Dago, Baruch

Dago is more than one of the finest prospects in Israeli soccer these days; he is a hero and role model for the Israeli Ethiopian community. With incredible speed and a lethal passing ability, he also packs a mean punch with his left leg. Dago has already been called up to the national team.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. March 26, 1981

Career Highlights:
Dago broke into the senior side of Ironi Ashdod (now S.C. Ashdod) at age 17, and was immediately hailed as the best player on the team. He helped stabilize the ailing team as they avoided relegation during his first two years at the club. In his third year, his performances were sensational, and Ashdod enjoyed the best season in its history.

Dago soon secured a transfer to Maccabi Tel Aviv. He formed an instant bond with fellow midfielder Avi Nimni and played a key role in Maccabi's drive for success. He also figure prominently in his club's State Cup triumph in 2001-02. During the 2002-03 season with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Dago displaced club legend Avi Nimni in the starting lineup. He scored eight goals and made the same number of assists in the best season of his young career. Baruch was seriously injured during the year, and Maccabi eventually secured the league title.

Maccabi Tel-Aviv gave Dago free reign in the midfield in 2003-04 but he was unable to fill Nimni's formidable shoes. The Maccabi fans hounded him throughout the season, as they yearn for Nimini's return. Baruch scored 4 league goals in 18 starting performances, with 6 appearances as a substitute. Maccabi finished second in the league but were never seriously involved in the title race.

Dago and Maccabi participated in the UEFA Champions League in 2003-04. They beat PAOK Salonika 2-1 in Greece on August 10, 2004, in the third and final round of qualification. A Greek technical oversight meant that UEFA awarded the Israeli's a 3-0 victory. Baruch put on a defining performance in Maccabi's fourth Champions League performance. After three straight losses, Tel Aviv took on Ajax Amsterdam at home on November 3, 2004. The midfielder scored his first with a tremendous long range shot in the 49th minute and his second 7 minutes later as he blocked a goalkeeper clearance for a quirky goal. Dago was named to the Champions League team of the week. Dago also scored a penalty against Bayern Munich in Maccabi's embarrassing 5-1 defeat away.

Origin:
Ethiopia

Position:
Left sided or central midfielder

Physical description:
5"5, 148 lbs.

Career Statistics:
2 caps

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