Arsenal striker, Folarin Balogun, scored his first goal for the United States as they clinched the CONCACAF Nations League with 2-0 win over Canada at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.
Balogun, making just his second appearance since switching his national team allegiance from England, grabbed the second goal for the U.S. after Chris Richards had headed them in front in the 12th minute.
The U.S. have won both of the Nations League tournaments held in the CONCACAF region and will now look for a regional double in the 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 re-appointed 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 defence.
READ ALSO: Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun switches from England to U.S.
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 defence 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 Reims where he scored 21 goals and while his club future remains uncertain, he looks set to be a firm part of the American squad heading into the 2026 World Cup which they will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
The New York-born forward, who moved to England when he was a two-year-old, was part of the England Under-21 team before switching to the U.S. in May.
He made his debut in the 3-0 semi-final win over Mexico and on Sunday’s final he struck up a strong understanding with wingers Tim Weah and Christian Pulisic in what now looks a very promising U.S. forward line.
Speaking after the match, Balogun said: “I’m just over the moon we were able to win tonight.
“It’s going to take time to build relationships with my teammates. I’m just delighted that (the goal) helped us to win this game. I’ve only been here a short time, but I feel like I’m part of something big and it’s a great feeling.”
Mexico claimed third place in the tournament after beating Panama 1-0 thanks to a fourth minute goal from Jesus Gallardo.
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