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Balogun goal ruled out but Monaco still win

Published

11 months ago

November 5, 2023

Rapheal Godwin

USMNT’s Folarin Balogun sees goal ruled out but Monaco cruise to win over Brest

Folarin Balogun saw a goal called back, but it made no difference as Monaco cruised to a 2-0 win over Brest.

Balogun nearly netted his fourth goal of the season in the 25th minute, but the U.S. men’s national team star saw the finish ruled back. Monaco, though, would survive, as a goal in either half was more than enough for a win that keeps them fighting near the top of Ligue 1.

It took 16 minutes for Monaco to seize the lead against Brest, a team that, for the time being, is pushing alongside them for a top four spot.

The goal came from unlikely source Denis Zakaria, who headed home a cross from Aleksandr Golovin. The goal is only the 18th of Zakaria’s career, with 11 of those having come across his five years with Borussia Monchengladbach.

Golovin added Monaco’s second, firing in the 70th minute to seal all three points for the hosts.

In addition to the goals, there were several close calls, with both teams seeing efforts ruled out. Balogun was unlucky to see a 25th-minute finish called back for offside, while Brest had two finishes of their own chalked off in the first half.

Balogun remains a regular for Monaco, after being eased into the team somewhat since his summer move. He couldn’t get his goal on Sunday, but the USMNT star does have three so far this season, having made a solid start to life with his new club.

With the win, Monaco, at least temporarily, move up to second in the league, one point behind PSG.

Nice, though, could overtake them with a win on Sunday against Rennes., while a draw in that match would see Monaco retain their spot in second for at least another week.

Balogun very much remains the USMNT’s starting striker and it would take a massive, massive dip and form for that to change any time soon.

Gregg Berhalter said during October’s international break that the team is still learning how to play with Balogun, who offers a different profile than any of the other strikers in the player pool. He’s almost certain to start in November matches against Trinidad & Tobago because of that as he’ll look to help the U.S. seal their place in the Copa America.

Folarin Balogun

Lasted 81 minutes, and did some okay things throughout his time on the field. Could have had a goal in the 25th, but saw it ruled out. Could have been move involved overall but, generally, a so-so day.

Up next for Monaco is a visit to Le Havre on November 11 as they look to keep their place near the top of Ligue 1. After the international break, they’ll return to a huge match as they visit PSG on November 24.