National teams 18 October 2023, 11:19

Folarin Balogun scores again for the USMNT!

The Monegasque striker, who arrived during the last transfer window, once again distinguished himself with the United States by scoring his third goal against Ghana, during his team's fine 4-0 victory.

It’s quite simple, when he joins his international teammates, he is consistently decisive! Called up for the first time in June for the Nations League, Folarin Balogun scored against Canada, before doing the same the next time out, in September against Oman. Called up again this international break, he did not deviate from this form against Ghana in his team’s 4-0 victory.

FINAL IN NASHVILLE 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/kYgUMXZEEK

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 18, 2023

Involved in the first goal

Starting leading the attack in a 4-2-3-1 set out by Gregg Berhalter, the Monegasque striker pressured the Africans’ defense and it was he who was at the origin of the opening goal . After a double one-two with Sergiño Dest, his cross in front of goal was partially cleared by Nicholas Opoku to the feet of Giovanni Reyna, who just had to push the ball into the back of the net.

Gio strikes first at Geodis 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/YBIFsxcykJ

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 18, 2023

His third goal in six games

Decisive with that pass, he was then decisive 10 minutes later by scoring. After a ball in behind by Timothy Weah, “Balo” controlled and turned to put himself in a good shooting position. From the penalty spot, he then sent in a powerful shot which hits the left post and ended up in the top corner of Abdul Nurudeen’s goal. It was already a third goal in only six caps for Monsieur 50%.

Spin move! 😮‍💨 Thank you Nashville for the fantastic support 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/NkEUFvEBkR

— Balogun (@balogun) October 18, 2023

This comes from good pressing by the team. Weah beat his defender and put it past me. I managed to get around the defender. Of course it’s a good finish even if I didn’t expect it to hit the post. We learned our lessons from the match against Germany. We reacted well with a good performance in the first half.

Folarin BalogunUSMNT forward

Full of confidence before facing Metz

He then came off at the break with the score already 4-0 — the number 29 of AS Monaco had a complete match. Because in addition to his goal, he had time to attempt five shots with four on target and made a key pass. Folarin will therefore return to the Performance Center full of confidence, in order to best prepare for the match against Metz, scheduled for this Sunday at 5:05 p.m. at the Stade Louis-II. Bravo Balo! 🇺🇸

Photos: Icon Sport