Balogun's Triumphant Return Bolsters Monaco's Champions League Push
Folarin Balogun marked his first start of 2025 with a clinical finish as AS Monaco secured a crucial 3-1 victory over AS Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1. The American striker, gradually returning from a frustrating shoulder injury, demonstrated why his presence has been sorely missed during his extended absence.
After shoulder surgery in December following an aggravation during a match against Marseille, Balogun has been carefully reintegrated into the squad. His goal—Monaco's third of the match—came after being expertly picked out by standout performer Maghnes Akliouche. Displaying his predatory instincts, Balogun intelligently stayed onside before striding forward and finishing with composed conviction from the edge of the box.
"Playing 90 minutes is definitely a positive thing for my fitness and confidence. It's good to have helped the team win by scoring a goal," Balogun reflected post-match, admitting he initially hesitated to celebrate, fearing an offside flag.
Beyond his goalscoring contribution, Balogun's movement caused persistent problems for Saint-Etienne's defense. His explosive early run was instrumental in creating space for Akliouche's second-minute opener, while his intense pressing disrupted the hosts' attempts to build from the back.
The victory temporarily moved Monaco to second place in the standings (now third), maintaining their push for Champions League qualification. Despite the significant result, Balogun remains grounded: "The work is not over, but we are satisfied with this beautiful evening. Because we had injuries, absences, but that doesn't stop this team."
With just two challenging fixtures remaining against Lyon and Lens, Balogun's timely return to form could prove decisive in Monaco's quest to secure Champions League football next season.
On This Day in 2006, the Left-Footed Specialist Curled Home the Leeds Opener in the Championship Playoff Semifinal
Eddie Lewis arrived at Leeds United in the summer of 2005. The former Preston North End winger brought a precise left foot and the experience of playing in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals with the United States. His journey from the American youth system to becoming a pivotal figure in English football's Championship was marked by technical skill, versatility and an unwavering commitment to club and country. By spring 2006, Lewis found himself at the intersection of two crucial paths: Leeds United's desperate push for Premier League promotion and his imminent second World Cup appearance.
On May 2, 2006, just three days before Leeds would face Preston in the playoff semifinal first leg, Lewis received the news many American players dream about. U.S. manager Bruce Arena had named him to the 23-man roster for the upcoming World Cup in Germany, one of 12 returnees from the 2002 squad that had made a surprising run to the quarterfinals. Arena's selection recognized Lewis's evolution from attacking winger to versatile left-sided player, having begun transitioning to left back for the national team despite continuing to play primarily in midfield for Leeds.
The stakes could hardly have been higher when Leeds welcomed Preston to Elland Road on May 5. The atmosphere crackled with tension as 35,239 fans—Leeds' largest attendance since their relegation from the Premier League two years earlier—packed the historic ground after a 15-minute kickoff delay to accommodate the surging crowd. This playoff semifinal carried additional emotional weight for Lewis: facing the Preston club where he had previously plied his trade.
Preston entered the fixture as the form team, having won five of their last six regular-season matches, including a 2-0 victory over a heavily rotated Leeds side just five days earlier. Preston boss Billy Davies had playfully mocked Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell's suggestion that United had kept their cards close to their chest in that final regular-season encounter. "We're going to be very surprised when they bring in Hulse, who we don't know, Eddie Lewis, who we don't know, Kelly, who we don't know," Davies had quipped sarcastically in his pre-match comments.
The first half saw Leeds create the better chances, with Matthew Kilgallon heading a Lewis cross against the post. However, Preston struck first blood just three minutes after the restart with a moment of individual brilliance from the returning David Nugent. The England U21 forward, making his first start in nearly eight weeks after recovering from a broken metatarsal, slalomed through four Leeds defenders before stabbing a shot past goalkeeper Neil Sullivan—a goal one reporter described as something "Diego Maradona would have been proud to have claimed."
The home crowd grew increasingly restless with Leeds trailing and their Premier League dreams suddenly in jeopardy. The atmosphere at Elland Road, so often the club's greatest weapon, threatened to become a cauldron of anxiety. Lewis would produce his defining moment in this crucible of pressure.
With 16 minutes remaining and Leeds desperately seeking an equalizer, midfielder Liam Miller was fouled by Claude Davis about 22 yards from goal—a perfect distance for a left-footed specialist. Lewis stepped up to the free kick, eyeing the top corner with the precision and confidence that had earned him his international reputation. With one cultured swing of his left boot, he curled an unstoppable shot into the top corner past the helpless Carlo Nash in the Preston goal.
As the ball nestled in the net and Elland Road erupted, Lewis's muted celebration acknowledged his respect for his former club and the understanding that this was halftime in a two-legged tie. Graham Alexander's desperate attempt to head the ball off the line proved futile—Lewis's strike was too perfect, too precise to be denied.
"Lewis, the former Preston winger, may just have scored the most important goal of his Leeds career so far," wrote one journalist, capturing the potential significance of the moment. The free kick not only salvaged a 1-1 draw but shifted psychological momentum back to Leeds ahead of the return leg at Deepdale.
The dramatic equalizer was a turning point in Leeds' promotion campaign. Three days later at Deepdale, Leeds completed their comeback with a commanding 2-0 victory through goals from Rob Hulse and Frazer Richardson, securing a 3-1 aggregate win and a place in the playoff final. Lewis's free kick had been the catalyst for a remarkable turnaround that propelled Leeds to within one game of a Premier League return.
The Championship playoff final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on May 21 pitted Leeds against Watford, who had finished third in the regular season and dispatched Crystal Palace 3-0 on aggregate in their semifinal. Unfortunately for Lewis and Leeds, the dream of Premier League restoration would end in disappointment. Watford triumphed 3-0 through goals from American Jay DeMerit, an unfortunate Neil Sullivan own goal, and a Darius Henderson penalty, leaving Leeds to face another season in the second tier.
For Lewis, focus quickly shifted to international duty as he joined the U.S. national team's pre-World Cup training camp. On June 12, he started the Americans' opening match against the Czech Republic at left back. However, the disappointing 3-0 defeat cost him his place for the second group game—a hard-fought 1-1 draw with eventual champions Italy. Lewis returned to the starting lineup for the final group match against Ghana, reverting to his more natural left midfield position. Despite his inspired play, which nearly led to an equalizer when his cross to Brian McBride struck the post, the United States fell 2-1 and exited the tournament.
Lewis's story with Leeds and the U.S. national team represents a player who consistently rose to occasions that demanded technical skill and mental fortitude. His free kick against Preston is not a triumphant conclusion but a moment that embodied his career—technically flawless, perfectly timed and delivered precisely when his team needed him most. Though Leeds would ultimately fall short of Premier League promotion in the final, Lewis's left-footed strike at Elland Road remains emblematic of a player whose contributions transcended final outcomes, providing one of the pivotal moments in Leeds' memorable playoff campaign.
The Striker's First Start Since Injury Capped with Dream Goal in Season Finale
Daryl Dike made a triumphant return to West Bromwich Albion's starting lineup, scoring an emotional goal in the Baggies' thrilling 5-3 victory over Luton Town on the Championship's final day. For the American striker, the moment marked the culmination of an arduous journey through two years of devastating injuries.
Making his first league start in 750 days, Dike seized his opportunity when he connected with Callum Styles' cross in the 30th minute, nodding home from close range to put West Brom ahead 2-1. The goal, his first since January 2024, triggered passionate celebrations from teammates and supporters alike, recognizing the moment's significance.
"Every single day since the injury and every single day in training, these are the days you dream of. You draw it up in your head and you're kind of waiting for it," Dike reflected post-match. "When it all comes through, words can't even describe how good a feeling it is."
The 24-year-old's path back to the starting eleven has been taxing. He suffered a torn Achilles in February 2024, just five weeks after recovering from an identical injury in his other leg. His resilience through rehabilitation earned him universal admiration within the club.
Interim manager James Morrison revealed he had agonized over the decision to start Dike but ultimately followed his instincts. "It took me a good three days to think about it, but I'm glad I went with my gut and I'm happy for Daryl," Morrison said.
Beyond scoring, Dike also contributed an assist and surprisingly maintained his energy levels throughout his 62-minute appearance. "I felt great physically. I kind of surprised myself. I thought I'd be a lot more tired, but honestly, even in the 60th minute or so, I felt good," he said.
With West Brom finishing ninth in the Championship, Dike now looks toward a full preseason. "It's a good way to cap the season off. I can show myself that I'm still capable of doing it. There's a long summer coming up now and I'm going to make sure I'm prepared for the new season."
Fullback Played Strong Defensively in Big Kiel Win Over Augsburg
John Tolkin played well in Holstein Kiel's impressive 3-1 away victory over FC Augsburg on Sunday, delivering a defensively stalwart performance that helped the relegation battlers secure their second consecutive Bundesliga win.
Deployed as a left midfielder in Marcel Rapp's system, the 22-year-old American completed the full 90 minutes with a defensive output that proved invaluable to Kiel's continued fight against relegation. Tolkin's six clearances—including four crucial headed clearances—alongside two interceptions and 11 total defensive actions highlighted his commitment to the cause.
The American demonstrated remarkable discipline in ground duels, winning all four contested battles on the deck and successfully completing his only attempted dribble. Though his passing accuracy finished at 55% (12/22), Tolkin contributed three passes into the final third that helped Kiel maintain attacking pressure against their hosts.
This victory represents another significant step in Kiel's remarkable revival under Rapp. The team has collected seven points from its last three fixtures to move within striking distance of the promotion-relegation playoff position. The "Cinderella tale" continues for the Störche, who have defied expectations by thriving against difficult opposition.
While Alexander Bernhardsson grabbed the headlines with two well-taken goals and Steven Skrzybski provided the creative spark, Tolkin's defensive solidity provided the platform that allowed Kiel's attackers to flourish. Despite being relegated to the bench or sidelined with muscular problems through much of February and March, Tolkin has returned to become a regular starter during this critical late-season push.
The victory lifts Kiel to just one point behind Heidenheim in the relegation playoff spot, though significant challenges await with upcoming fixtures against European contenders Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund. If Tolkin can maintain this level of defensive discipline, Rapp's strangely optimistic outlook on their survival chances may prove prophetic rather than misplaced.
Midfielder's Performance Anchors Bournemouth's Historic Win at Arsenal
Tyler Adams delivered a composed midfield display as Bournemouth secured their first-ever victory at the Emirates Stadium with a stunning 2-1 comeback win against Arsenal on Saturday. The United States international played the full 90 minutes in a performance marked by exceptional passing precision and tactical discipline.
The 26-year-old defensive midfielder was nearly flawless in possession, completing an impressive 95% of his passes (55/58) while operating as the anchor in Andoni Iraola's midfield. Despite pressure from Arsenal's high-intensity pressing, Adams maintained his composure to help Bournemouth build attacks and maintain control during crucial moments of the match.
While Adams didn't record any tackles, his positioning was instrumental in Bournemouth's disciplined defensive structure. The American international registered one interception and four recoveries, helping to disrupt Arsenal's rhythm in a match where the hosts struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. His ability to transition the ball effectively was crucial to Bournemouth's game plan, particularly as they sought to capitalize on set-piece opportunities, which ultimately proved decisive, with Dean Huijsen and Evanilson scoring from dead-ball situations.
The victory holds significant implications for Bournemouth's European aspirations. The Cherries leapfrogged Fulham to climb to eighth place in the Premier League standings. If they maintain this position and Manchester City wins the FA Cup, Iraola's side would likely qualify for the Europa Conference League.
"I like the game overall. I think we had chances," Iraola told Sky Sports after the match. "The key was the set-plays in the second half. In these close games, the difference was made with the set-plays, which were key to taking the three points."
Adams' reliable performance epitomized Bournemouth's approach, as they became the latest team to exploit Arsenal's recent vulnerability to set-pieces while demonstrating the resilience and tactical awareness necessary to secure three points at one of the Premier League's most challenging venues.
