Carlos Gonzalez/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF
The United States men’s national team has a battle brewing at striker.
Both Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi scored for the USMNT in a comfortable 4-0 win over Oman on Tuesday night.
U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team @USMNT
. @balogun with the opener in Minnesota 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/AEKnxy9giJ
U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team @USMNT
🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂 pic.twitter.com/PTS6GQ0TxB
Oman gifted the United States a pair of goals as well, as Brenden Aaronson’s mediocre free kick somehow found its way through both the wall and goalkeeper before an Oman own-goal later in the contest.
U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team @USMNT
A free kick stunner from Brenden 💫 pic.twitter.com/7ROCyeEHNV
B/R Football @brfootball
WYD goalkeeper 🫠 pic.twitter.com/IgZMbf1iUS
But the story is the mounting battle Balogun and Pepi for the No. 9 role. It’s now two goals in four games for the Monaco man, while Pepi has found the back of the net six times in his past six appearances.
And USMNT fans on social media were loving the sudden wealth at striker after the game:
herculez gomez @herculezg
I’ll say it again. 6 in 6 games!
We got ourselves a 9 battle.
Can’t wait till a healthy Josh Sargent is added into this equation. Great problem to have if you’re the #USMNT https://t.co/8CqFGO5HJT
American Hooligans 🇺🇸⚽️ @AmericanHoolis
Pepi and Balogun both in form and challenging each other to be better, leading to two strong strikers options for the USMNT 🇺🇸
pic.twitter.com/ckzYirdgW9
svint @svintfc
Pepi and Balogun going goal for goal #USMNT 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/MtJU2bzNqs
Major League Soccer @MLS
PEPI CAN’T STOP SCORING 🚂🇺🇸
Markel Santi @_Susaeta
I love Pepi. I don’t think Balo as a starter is a lock this cycle.
ChuckMe92 Soccer @ChuckMe92Soccer
Must be said for Pepi that he is 20. Could have even played in the U20 World Cup if he wanted.
Not saying Balogun isn’t the #1 or that Pepi will hit 20+ in a Top 5 League soon, simply that we’re very lucky to have both. Sargent should be with the A-squad too with his versatility
Dhan @Dhaneye
Btw it seems like everytime Balogun scored , Pepi answers and whenever Pepi scores , Balogun answers . It’s almost like the two are pushing each other. #USMNT
scuffed @scuffedpod
Balogun is such a boss on the ball in the box. Love the strength and composure he shows.
USMNTrev @Eyesandvibes
Balogun is such a good poacher man, the best strikers are always right place right time guys. No exceptions here!
For years, it felt as though the United States was searching for a reliable and clinical No. 9. Players like Jozy Altidore, Chris Wondolowski and Gyasi Zardes didn’t scratch the itch, and the position was a continued concern after this past winter’s World Cup.
Pepi had fallen out of favor before Qatar and Balogun hadn’t pledged his allegiances to the country at that point, leaving players like Josh Sargent and Haji Wright to handle the position. They combined for one goal in four games.
Balogun (22) and Pepi (19) offer far more promise. Granted, context still matters—Oman is not a top opponent, and the United States probably should have pushed even more goals across the line.
But the United States now has a pair of really intriguing strikers at its disposal who appear locked in a battle for the starting role. Paired with the talent on the wings and in the midfield, the future appears to be bright for this group.
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