USMNT Abroad: Folarin Balogun scores, but misses penalty in Monaco’s knockout to FC Rouen
Credit: Ligue 1
This Thursday, February 8, 2024, Folarin Balogun played the entire game in AS Monaco’s round of 16 bout against FC Rouen in the Coupe de France.
Balogun scored the lone goal for the principality side in regulation time, scoring a penalty in the 35th minute.
Clement Bassin scored for FC Rouen towards the end of the first half, as the game ended in a 1-1 deadlock in regulation time. Extra time did not accomplish much for either side, as it remained 1-1 and the winner was to decided in a penalty shootout.
Monaco was leading 4-3 before Folarin Balogun stepped up to take the fifth penalty of the shootout for the away side. The 22-year-old striker had the confidence of already scoring a penalty in the match, but he was denied by goalkeeper Leonard Aggoune. Maghnes Akilouche misses the deciding penalty for Manaco, as the principality side lost the encounter 6-5 in the shootout.
BALOGOALLL 🎯
Folarin Balogun converts from the penalty spot in the Coupe de France for Monaco 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/701y9TNAM3
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 8, 2024
This was a bittersweet performance for the Brooklyn, New York native, as Monaco were heavy favorites heading into this match. FC Rouen compete in the Championnat National, which is the third-tier of French soccer, as this game clearly did not have to go to a penalty shootout.
It was Balogun’s first game with AS Monaco since January 20, returning from a minor injury. The 22-year-old forward has been struggling since making the move to French football, currently with four goals in 15 Ligue 1 games played. Monaco are currently fifth place in the Ligue 1 with 35 points nad it will be interesting to see if Balogun gets regular playing time over Maghnes Akilouche.
Monaco’s next game is a derby rivalry match against Nice at the Allianz Riviera on Sunday, February 11, in what is expected to be a very intense and exciting game.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.