Folarin Balogun scored his first goal for the US on Sunday as they clinched the CONCACAF Nations League with a 2-0 win over Canada at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
Arsenal striker Balogun, making just his second appearance since switching his national team allegiance from England, grabbed the second goal for the US after Chris Richards had headed them in front in the 12th minute.
The US have triumphed in both of the Nations League tournaments held in the CONCACAF region and could win a regional double if they take the CONCACAF Gold Cup later this month.
Both goals were created by midfielder Gio Reyna, a player who found himself involved in the off-the-field sagas surrounding head coach Gregg Berhalter, who was reappointed on Friday.
Reyna’s perfectly floated corner was firmly headed in by Richards, who arrived at the back post with little close attention from the Canadian defense.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder then set up Balogun’s maiden goal for his new team, bursting out of midfield before slipping the ball through the defense and into the path of the striker who confidently drove home.
It was a natural striker’s finish, with Balogun taking the ball in his stride and drilling home first-time from an angle.
Balogun spent last season on loan from Arsenal to French Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims where he scored 21 goals, and while his club future remains uncertain, he looks set to be a firm part of the US squad heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup which they are to cohost with Canada and Mexico.
The New York-born forward, who moved to England when he was two years old, was part of the England Under-21 team before switching to the US in May.
He made his debut in the 3-0 semi-final win over Mexico and during Sunday’s final he struck up a strong understanding with wingers Tim Weah and Christian Pulisic in what now looks a very promising US forward line.
“I’m just over the moon we were able to win tonight,” Balogun said. “I’ve only been here a short time, but I feel like I’m part of something big, and it’s a great feeling.”
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