WATCH: Folarin Balogun Shines in Monaco's Champions League Clash with BodoGlimt
Folarin Balogun showcased his scoring prowess once again, netting a crucial goal in Monaco's Champions League showdown with Bodo/Glimt. Read on to discover how the American striker's stellar form is making waves on both the club and international stage.
Folarin Balogun scored his first Champions League goal of the season, netting in the first half of Monaco's clash with Bodo/Glimt to put his club up 1-0 at the Aspmyra Stadion. The goal is Balogun's third since scoring for the U.S. men's national team against Ecuador in a 1-1 draw during the October international break.The American striker's finish came just before halftime, in the 43rd minute, and it was a moment of individual brilliance from Balogun. After being played in by Maghnes Akliouche, Balogun found himself facing a tight angle, but he was able to find the back of the net anyway by smashing a shot just inside the goalkeeper's near post. The goal gave Monaco the lead heading into the break as the Ligue 1 club searches for its first Champions League win this season. The goal continues the striker's good run of form as he continues to make his mark under new Monaco boss Sebastien Pocognoli, who took over as head coach on Oct. 11. Since then, Balogun has netted three goals in his last six matches - one against Angers, one against Nantes, and then Tuesday's finish against Bodo/Glimt.On the international side, the striker has also been in good form. After returning to the USMNT in September after dealing with injury issues for the first half of the year, Balogun went on to score against both Japan that month and Ecuador in October to make his case to be the starting No. 9 ahead of the World Cup.The USMNT's roster for November friendlies is set to be released this week, and Balogun is widely expected to be among the headliners. Mauricio Pochettino's side will take on Paraguay and Uruguay during that break in their final matches of 2025. Before that, though, Balogun has one more club match with Monaco: a visit from Lens on Saturday. The club currently sits fifth in Ligue 1 on 20 points, two points behind Saturday's opponents, who are currently in third.
Balogun's Brilliance on Display
In a thrilling encounter at the Aspmyra Stadion, Folarin Balogun etched his name on the scoresheet with a sublime finish to give Monaco a 1-0 lead over Bodo/Glimt. The goal, scored just before halftime, demonstrated Balogun's individual brilliance and composure in front of goal, as he expertly found the back of the net from a tight angle.
Formidable Run of Form
Under the guidance of new Monaco head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, Folarin Balogun has been in scintillating form, notching three goals in his last six appearances. His recent exploits include strikes against Angers, Nantes, and now Bodo/Glimt, signaling his growing importance in the team's attacking arsenal.
International Impact
Having impressed on the international stage with the U.S. men's national team, Balogun's goal-scoring prowess has not gone unnoticed. Following his successful outings against Japan and Ecuador, the striker is poised to play a pivotal role for the USMNT in the upcoming November friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay.
Future Prospects
As Mauricio Pochettino's side gears up for an exciting schedule ahead, Balogun remains a key figure in Monaco's quest for success both domestically and in Europe. With the USMNT roster announcement imminent, all eyes are on the dynamic forward as he continues to make waves with his goal-scoring exploits.
