Balogun Shines Again

Forward Scores Again as USMNT Battles Back Against Ecuador

Folarin Balogun's emergence as a pivotal force in the U.S. men's national team continued Friday night, as the forward scored his second goal in as many games to secure a 1-1 draw against Ecuador. The performance earned widespread praise from teammates and coach Mauricio Pochettino, who highlighted the striker's multifaceted contributions beyond simply finding the back of the net.

Pochettino was effusive in his assessment of Balogun's impact, emphasizing that "his work ethic is amazing in the way that he is always available in every single aspect of the game, with and without the ball." The AS Monaco forward's 71st-minute equalizer, converting Malik Tillman's cross, capped an influential outing that showcased his physical presence and tactical intelligence.

Tim Weah underscored Balogun's value as a game-changer, noting that his speed and aggressive approach create opportunities for the entire team. "He's running behind, fighting with defenders. I think it helps us. Hopefully, we can build on this performance, and we can feed him some more," Weah said. Weston McKennie reinforced this assessment, explaining that Balogun's ability to stretch defenses with his pace provides crucial relief for his teammates. "Having a nine like that gives a lot of relief to the team," McKennie observed.

The significance of Balogun's performance extended beyond individual accolades. Pochettino noted that the match represented a milestone in his tenure, marking nearly a year since taking the helm of the program. The coach emphasized how the team's discourse had evolved, saying, "We are here talking about actions, concepts, formations. After one year, I am so happy that we don't talk about other things like commitment, attitude."

Against an Ecuador side unbeaten in 12 matches and that finished second in South American qualifying, the USMNT's resilient display suggested the team is building momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Balogun's consistent contributions have become central to that progression.