Folarin Balogun Rejoins U.S. Men’s National Team
Folarin Balogun has been reintroduced to the United States men’s national team as they prepare for upcoming friendly matches against South Korea and Japan this September. This marks the first time the AS Monaco forward will participate with the national squad in nearly a year.
Roster Announcement
Coach Mauricio Pochettino recently announced a 22-man roster, with Balogun being the last player to join after U.S. Soccer indicated there would be one final addition to the squad later. Additionally, Brian White of the Vancouver Whitecaps has had to withdraw from the training camp due to a hamstring injury sustained in a match against St. Louis City on Saturday.
Balogun’s Performance and Challenges
After making his debut in 2023, Balogun has earned 17 caps and netted five goals when available. However, his appearances have been limited since Pochettino’s appointment last year, largely due to a series of injuries that have plagued him, including a significant shoulder issue that kept him out for most of the last season.
Although he managed to return to action before the end of the campaign with Monaco, he had to turn down a spot in the national team’s Gold Cup roster earlier this summer due to an ankle injury. Balogun made his season debut this past Sunday as Monaco faced a tough match against Lille, which ended in a 1-0 defeat.
Upcoming Matches
The U.S. team is scheduled to host South Korea on September 6 in Harrison, New Jersey, followed by a game against Japan three days later in Columbus, Ohio.
