ARLINGTON, Texas — Sunday's victory over Bolivia for the U.S. men's national team offered a glimpse into, among other things, the story of two forwards.
There was Folarin Balogun, who scored his fourth international goal in the 44th minute of his Copa America debut, with a well-placed shot at the far post to extend the American team's lead to 2-0 after Christian Pulisic scored the first goal. in the third minute. . And then there was Ricardo Pepi, unable to convert any of the four opportunities that came his way after replacing Balogun in the 65th minute.
That dichotomy continued after the game: Balogun basked in his success, while Pepi charged through the maze of the mixed zone, living up to his nickname “The Train,” although in this case he made no stops. .
“As a striker, whenever you play in a tournament of this magnitude, all you want is to score a goal and gain confidence,” Balogun said. “I was able to do it today. He puts me in a good position, I would say, mentally for the future.”
The reactions of both players were understandable. The USMNT's starting center forward position has been available for much of the year, with Balogun and Pepi getting the majority of the reps. Any change of fortune at this stage seems to take on enormous importance.
It is an event that has been a constant topic of conversation in the run-up to the Copa América. Both forwards faced up-and-down seasons at the club level. Following a summer transfer from Arsenal, Balogun's maiden campaign with Monaco saw him in and out of the XI, scoring just eight goals in total after scoring 21 goals the previous season on loan at Reims; Pepi spent most of the campaign with PSV Eindhoven behind Luuk de Jong, who scored 38 goals in all competitions this season, but contributed nine goals of his own.
However, Balogun appears to be getting the benefit of coach Gregg Berhalter's doubt. Rarely has there been an American forward whose arrival was more anticipated than his. Able to represent any of three different national teams (England and Nigeria were the others), his decision to represent the United States was seen as a major blow to Berhalter and the American program.
However, Balogun's arrival has been slower than a raging inferno. There was the goal he scored against Canada in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League final, but little else in terms of production. It often seems like his teammates just don't see the quick runs he makes behind opposing defenses.
But there have been signs in recent weeks that some chemistry has finally been established on the field. A clever pass from Antonee Robinson found Balogun free during a recent friendly against Colombia, and there were similar connections on Sunday. Balogun himself senses the growing level of familiarity.
“I don't feel like the new kid anymore,” he said. “I personally feel like I need to go into that transition to become someone who can be trusted, someone who is consistent, someone who changes games. So yeah, I mean, I don't think you can do that as a new guy.” “So I feel safe in this group and everyone has helped me feel that way.”
As for Pepi, he has been on assignment with the United States since being left out of the 2022 World Cup roster, and seven of his 10 international goals have come since that snub. He has also proven to be an expert coming off the bench and being impactful with his movement and ability to sniff out opportunities. Five of his 10 international goals have come as a substitute.
But if he is to supplant Balogun, that means converting more of his opportunities when they present themselves. Pepi's expected goals, or xG, against Bolivia was a whopping 2.08, hence his frustration at the end of the game.
Berhalter seems determined not to put too much pressure on Pepi. The American coach still has a lot of faith in him and highlights the impact he had against Bolivia: including the forward's “relentless” running, pressing and holding game.
“I know [Pepi] “I was a little disappointed after the game, but you know, when you have so many chances against an aggressive team, you're doing something right,” Berhalter said.
And therein lies the problem when judging the performance of a striker. Balogun's touch betrayed him more than a few times. Pepi had as many touches inside the rival area in 25 minutes as Balogun did in 65, but the game had also changed in the second half, becoming more open. But for all the additional attributes a striker brings, they are ultimately judged on his ability to convert chances, and that is where Balogun had the advantage on the day.
Waiting in the wings is Josh Sargent. The Norwich City striker has been battling a foot injury and barely recovered in time to be part of the Copa America squad. After Sunday's game, Sargent mentioned that the recovery process continues, but that he is ready to intervene if necessary.
“I've worked really hard to get back into shape,” he said. “Maybe not 100%, but the foot and ankle definitely feel great right now.”
He also had words of encouragement for Pepi: “I think Pepi had a bit of bad luck today. He did very well coming in and any other day he scores those goals. So we have to think about the next day, the next game and continue forward”.
Competition for playing time favors Balogun at the moment, especially with Haji Wright, the hero of March's Concacaf Nations League triumph, seen as more of a winger option. But as the Bolivia game showed, that can change in an instant. Now it's about continuing to push in Thursday's game against Panama.
“I think it allows me to gain momentum,” Balogun said of his goal. “It's always nice to come into a tournament and score in the first game as well. So I'm always looking to build momentum and add more to my tally.”
