USMNT striker Folarin Balogun scores first Monaco goal since October in big Ligue 1 win over Saint-Etienne

U.S. men's national team striker Folarin Balogun scored his first goal for Monaco since Oct. 5, 2024 on Saturday as the French club defeated Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1 action, 3-1. The forward scored their third goal of the day, a perfectly timed run that saw him slot a low-driven effort into the corner of the net past the goalkeeper.

A huge three points, the victory saw Monaco climb into second in the league standings, level on points with Marseille at 58 - though, Les Phoceens have a game in-hand over Balogun and Co.

The strike brought the 23-year-old's season total to four goals.

Balogun underwent shoulder surgery in December after suffering an initial injury in October while playing for the French outfit. He returned from injury on March 29 and prior to Saturday, had made five-straight appearances off the bench for the club. Balogun has scored in four out of his last five starts, dating back to September of last year.

As a result of his initial injury and following surgery, though, the 23-year-old has yet to debut under new USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino. His last time playing for the U.S. was in the September international window under interim head coach Mikey Varas.

His goal on Saturday bolsters his odds of being selected this June for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Monaco striker Mika Biereth was substituted off the pitch after just 14 minutes on Saturday due to injury. In their two-striker system, if his injury forces him out of next weekend, Balogun's odds of earning a second-straight start will increase.

The American and Monaco return to the pitch next Saturday against Lyon, where Balogun will face off against fellow U.S. international Tanner Tessmann.