Balogan Keeps Scoring

Forward Has Now Scored in Seven Straight Ligue 1 Matches

Folarin Balogun continued his extraordinary run of form on Friday, but it wasn't enough to prevent Monaco from suffering a chastening 4-1 defeat to Paris FC in Ligue 1.

The American striker pulled one back in the 36th minute to score in a seventh consecutive league game—a feat that makes him the first player to achieve that in Ligue 1 since Neymar did so with PSG back in 2022. He now stands just one game away from equalling Monaco's all-time club record for consecutive scoring appearances, jointly held by Shabani Nonda and Rony Lopes.

The stats tell the story of a player in rampant form. Balogun had 10 touches inside the opposition box, won two of three aerial duels, and completed his only dribble attempt, though a big chance missed will have frustrated him on a night his side were well beaten. He now has nine goals in nine games across all competitions and 17 for the season in total.

For the USMNT, the numbers are deeply encouraging ahead of a home World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino will be watching closely as his striker builds the kind of momentum that could make him one of the tournament's most dangerous forwards come the summer.

Almost McKennie vs Musah

 One Midfielder is Suspended While the Other Comes Off the Bench

Two USMNT teammates find themselves on opposite sides of a crucial Serie A clash this weekend, as Juventus travels to Bergamo to face Atalanta in a match that could define both clubs' Champions League hopes.

Weston McKennie arrives in fine form. The midfielder was the standout performer in Juventus' 2-0 win over Genoa last Monday, netting after 17 minutes and earning man of the match honors. It was his fifth Serie A goal of the season, matching his personal best in the Italian top flight. He will, however, be absent on Saturday—a suspension rules him out of what would otherwise have been a marquee occasion for the American.

On the other side, Yunus Musah is fighting for relevance at Atalanta. Sent on loan from AC Milan after a difficult spell in which he was often played out of position, the midfielder has struggled to nail down a starting role, featuring as an unused substitute in five of his last nine league appearances. Despite flashes of form, including two goals in a week recently, his situation remains uncertain, with Milan needing to persuade Atalanta to trigger a €25 million purchase option this summer.

With McKennie watching on, Musah will be eager to seize his moment.

Richards and Palace in a Great Position

Crystal Palace Earned a Strong First-Leg Win in Europe

Chris Richards was a composed and reliable presence as Crystal Palace put one foot in the Conference League semi-finals with a dominant 3-0 victory over Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on Thursday night.

The American center-back played all 90 minutes, completing 41-of-47 passes at an 87% accuracy rate and contributing four defensive actions, including three clearances and a block, as Palace kept a clean sheet against a Fiorentina side that managed just two shots on target.

Richards, who won his sole aerial duel and was never dribbled past, also picked up a yellow card late on as the match grew increasingly physical in its closing stages—a small blemish on an otherwise controlled evening's work.

Speaking after the full-time whistle, the 26-year-old made clear that last season's FA Cup and Community Shield successes have only sharpened the squad's appetite for more. "With the trophies we won last season, the players have confidence," he told TNT Sports. "We want to win trophies at this club."

With a three-goal cushion heading into the second leg in Florence, Richards and Palace will feel well-placed to push on and reach the final four of the competition.