American Strikers Had a Good Day in Europe's Top Competition
Two U.S. men's national team strikers made their mark in Champions League action this midweek, with both Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun finding the back of the net for their respective clubs.
Balogun opened the scoring for AS Monaco in their 1-0 victory over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. Just before halftime, the American forward beat the defense and fired a powerful shot from a tight angle into the top corner, securing Monaco's first win of the league phase. This goal marked Balogun's first-ever Champions League strike and continued his recent run of form, having scored four times in his last eight matches across all competitions. The goal was particularly significant for the striker, who has struggled with consistency this season, moving in and out of lineups for both club and country.
Meanwhile, Pepi came off the bench to rescue a crucial point for PSV Eindhoven against Olympiakos. Deep into stoppage time with his team trailing, the substitute stepped up to convert a loose ball after a free kick and salvage a 1-1 draw for the Dutch side. The late equalizer showcased Pepi's continued strong form, as he has netted three goals in his last four appearances across all competitions.
Both strikers are competing for roster spots ahead of the 2026 World Cup under coach Mauricio Pochettino. While Balogun appears to be the frontrunner for the starting striker position after impressive performances in recent international windows, Pepi continues building his case with consistent scoring despite limited minutes following knee surgery.
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