Folarin Balogun Celebrates Return to USMNT Scoresheet with Nod to Damian Lillard
Folarin Balogun scored in the USMNT's 6-0 win over Haiti and celebrated with Damian Lillard's signature gesture as the team advanced in the Concacaf Nations League.
⚽Soccer in the USPhoto: bleacherreport.com
Key points
- Folarin Balogun scored in the USMNT's 6-0 Concacaf Nations League win over Haiti.
- He used Damian Lillard's 'Dame Time' wrist-tap celebration to mark his first international goal since the World Cup.
- Balogun plans to seek a transfer from AS Monaco in January after facing limited playing time.
Forward Folarin Balogun marked his return to the USMNT scoresheet by channeling NBA star Damian Lillard during a dominant 6-0 victory against Haiti in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals in Miami.
After finding the back of the net, Balogun tapped his wrist to replicate Lillard's iconic "Dame Time" celebration. Speaking to TNT Sports' Melissa Ortiz after the match, the striker explained that the gesture was a tribute to the Portland Trail Blazers guard and a personal declaration that he is back on track following a turbulent period at the club level.
The emphatic win secured a spot in the tournament semifinals for the United States, keeping momentum strong as the squad prepares for the second leg in Cincinnati. That upcoming fixture will also serve as manager Mauricio Pochettino's final game in charge before his departure to coach Manchester United.
Balogun admitted that his career has experienced ups and downs since the World Cup, compounded by limited playing time with French club AS Monaco following a failed transfer attempt to Everton. ESPN's Jeff Carlisle reported that Balogun intends to pursue a move away from Monaco during the upcoming January transfer window.
What to watch next: The USMNT travels to Cincinnati for the second leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.
Source bleacherreport.com — bleacherreport.com/articles/25533351-folarin-balogun-explains-hitting-d… ↗
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