Americans Abroad Midweek Rewind: Balogun, Wright, and more

Folarin Balogun’s evening started on a positive note with the American finding the back of the net for the first time in two months. It ended on a painful one though with the 22-year-old watching AS Monaco suffer Coupe De France elimination.

Balogun scored the opening goal for Monaco in Thursday’s trip to Rouen, but also watched his spot kick in the penalty shootout get denied as the visitors suffered a 6-5 shootout loss. The U.S. men’s national team forward stepped up and slotted home from the penalty spot in the 35th minute for AS Monaco, giving him his first goal in all competitions since Dec. 9.

However, after Rouen tied the match before halftime, a penalty shootout was needed to find a winner. Balogun’s fifth-round effort was denied by Leonard Aggoune before Maghnes Akilouche’s effort was also repelled by the Frenchman.

It was a dismal defeat for AS Monaco, who watched the third-tier hosts celebrate on home soil.

Monaco returns to Ligue 1 action on Sunday with a trip to Nice.

In England, Haji Wright scored his ninth goal of the season across all competitions. Matt Turner excelled in Nottingham Forest’s replay win over Bristol City.

Here is a closer look at this week’s Americans Abroad:

England

FA Cup

Haji Wright started, scored ONE GOAL, and played 66 minutes in Coventry City’s 4-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

Matt Turner started, made SIX SAVES, and played 120 minutes in Nottingham Forest’s 5-3 penalty shootout win Bristol City on Wednesday. The teams were tied 1-1 after 120 minutes of play.

**Gio Reyna is not eligible for Nottingham Forest due to this match being a replay.

Germany

Bundesliga

Brenden Aaronson came off the bench and played eight minutes in Union Berlin’s 1-1 draw with Mainz on Wednesday.

DFB Pokal

Joe Scally, Jordan Pefok and Borussia Moenchengladbach’s scheduled match with Saarbrucken was postponed on Wednesday.