AS Monaco and United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun got himself on the scoresheet twice during his side’s 5-2 Ligue 1 victory vs. Metz on Saturday.
Balogun’s first goal was scored in bizarre fashion as Metz goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja lived every keeper’s worst nightmare and got caught on the ball. Balogun, who came on a substitute in the 65th minute, did well to force the mistake and was rewarded with a goal.
They don’t come much easier than this.
The American added a second goal in the 87th minute with a tidy finish at the back post during a Monaco corner kick.
Balogun goals vs Metz
This was Folarin Balogun's AMAZING BRACE in Monaco's 5-2 victory against Metz!
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) March 30, 2024
2 - Folarin Balogun is the first #USMNT player to score two goals as a substitute in a single match in the top 5 European leagues since Charlie Davies for Sochaux in August 2009. Double. pic.twitter.com/vDBSiZEhCx
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) March 30, 2024
The 22-year-old will be satisfied with his cameo for Monaco after a so-so international break. Balogun got the start against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals but had little impact. He was then benched for the final vs. Mexico.
The two goals on Saturday bring his scoring tally up to eight this season with Monaco. He also has five assists. While he hasn’t recaptured his incredible form from last season where he scored 22 goals with Reims, he’s still having a decent campaign in his first year with Monaco.
USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter will have a tough decision to make on which strikers he brings to Copa América this summer. A strong finish to the season for Balogun should see him on Berhalter’s roster.
