USMNT’s Folarin Balogun earns penalty to help AS Monaco earn 2-2 draw vs. Dinamo Zagreb in UEFA Champions League

U.S. international Folarin Balogun helped AS Monaco escape from a potential loss against Dinamo Zagreb after earning a late penalty to secure a 2-2 draw.

AS Monaco were trailing 2-1 at the 89th minute when Maxime Bernauer tripped Balogun in the box and was called for a penalty. Les Rouge et Blanc would call on Denis Zakaria to take the spot kick, which he converted to tie the game at 2-2.

Monaco would hold to steal points at Dinamo Stadium. The team is currently sitting 14th in the new Champions League table, ahead of big teams like Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

• AFP

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Balogun was among the call-ups in Maurico Pochettino’s first-ever U.S. squad and his recent uptick in form will likely be seen as a good sign for the Argentine manager.

  It will be interesting to see if Pochettino sticks with Balogun as his leading striker as the new U.S. boss mentioned Wednesday he plans to play either a 4-3-2-1 or a 4-3-3 formation.

  Both would rely on a sole striker and Balogun could face some competition from another in-form striker in Norwich’s Josh Sargent. That said, Balogun’s standing in a top division in Europe and playing in the Champions League – arguably the best soccer competition in the world — helps his chances.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Since joining Monaco, Balogun has nine goals and five assists in 34 overall matches played.

  • WHAT NEXT FOR BALOGUN?

    Balogun has one more match remaining before the international break, a Ligue 1 match against Rennes on Oct. 5.