Folarin Balogun has lift off at Monaco! USMNT star comes off bench to open scoring account - but Lorient snatch draw with last-gasp equaliser

Balogun again started on the bench for Monaco but arrived in the 65th minute as a substitute for Wissam Ben Yedder with the game level at 1-1. The USMNT star wasted little time making an impact as he fired Monaco ahead just three minutes after his introduction. Balogun received the ball in the penalty area, turned smartly and fired a powerful left-footed shot past goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo at his near post. The strike looked like being the winner for Monaco until Romain Favre made it 2-2 in the last seconds of stoppage time.

The goal is Balogun's first since he moved to Monaco from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, and he will be hoping he can now kick on and replicate last season's impressive goalscoring form in Ligue 1 with Reims. It's Balogun's second in two games as he was also on target over the international break in a 4-0 friendly win over Oman with the United States.

USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter will no doubt be thrilled to see Balogun open his Monaco account. Berhalter has already described his decision to join the Ligue 1 club as a "fabulous move" as the forward is so familiar with the French top flight. Balogun's goal comes on a weekend when USMNT strike partner Ricardo Pepi was also on target. Pepi scored a penalty in a 4-0 win over PSV over NEC in the Eredivisie.

Folarin Balogun (7/10):

Made an instant impact by scoring just minutes after coming off the bench. Looked razor sharp when he picked up possession and showed his striker's instinct by going straight for goal. You suspect Lorient won't be too happy to see their goalkeeper concede at his near post but the power on Balogun's shot saw the ball fly past Mvogo. Also had the ball in the net again late on but saw his effort ruled out for offside.

Balogun is back in action on Friday in Ligue 1's infamous Cote d'Azur derby. Monaco play host to Nice who will be on a high after beating defending champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 at the Parc des Princes last time out in the French top flight. Balogun will be hoping to have played his way into the starting XI after opening his account against Lorient.