USMNT Star Finally Breaks Through with Spectacular Champions League Triumph

United States men's national team forward Folarin Balogun netted his inaugural Champions League strike with a precise finish at Aspmyra Stadion on Tuesday.

Balogun, who earned the starting position for Monaco against Bodø/Glimt, delivered the sole goal in this closely fought match in Norway. The 24-year-old unleashed a left-footed shot from a narrow angle into the top corner to claim all three points for the away side.

Monaco urgently required a Champions League triumph after beginning their campaign with two stalemates and one loss. Balogun stepped up when needed to provide the 1–0 result while simultaneously achieving his personal career landmark.

The decisive strike marked the first occasion the American attacker has scored on Europe's premier competition stage. It required Balogun seven Champions League matches to open his account.

The victory propelled Monaco to 18th position in the Champions League league phase table with five points. The French club has escaped the elimination zone and could potentially advance further when they meet Pafos on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Monaco will aim to virtually guarantee their Champions League knockout phase playoff spot before traveling to the Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid in January.

Balogun Hoping to Translate His Club Form to the USMNT

Balogun has launched his 2025–26 season positively. Despite receiving variable playing time for both Monaco and the USMNT, the forward has tallied six goals across 17 matches for club and country this term.

Indeed, since his return from the October international period, where he netted the Stars and Stripes' only goal in their 1–1 tie with Ecuador, Balogun has scored three times at club level.

The striker will aim to carry his scoring form into the November international break as he seeks to cement the starting forward position for the USMNT before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Balogun competes with Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright, who scored twice in the Stars and Stripes' 2–1 triumph over Australia.

The Monaco player will get the chance to impress Mauricio Pochettino when the USMNT faces Paraguay and Uruguay in the coming weeks.