A pair of U.S. Men's National Team strikers, Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun, both found the back of the net in Champions League action on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, marking a significant achievement for the American contingent in Europe's premier club competition.
Ricardo Pepi, continuing his knack for late-game heroics, scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer for PSV Eindhoven against Olympiacos. Pepi's goal, which came in the 93rd minute, secured a crucial 1-1 draw for his team. PSV had initially gone down 1-0 after a goal from Gelson Martins in the 17th minute. PSV also had a goal disallowed early in the game due to an offside call. The American striker's equalizer was his third goal in the last four games in all competitions, a notable feat considering he has only played a total of 75 minutes in those matches. This goal was Pepi's fifth of the season. Pepi's late heroics have drawn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Aguero, as he joined them as the only players to have scored three result-changing goals in stoppage time of Champions League matches. Pepi's goal helped PSV earn a point, placing them 17th in the Champions League standings.
Meanwhile, Folarin Balogun scored the decisive goal for AS Monaco in their 1-0 victory over Bodø/Glimt. Balogun's goal came in the 43rd minute, just before halftime, when he received a pass from Maghnes Akliouche and smashed a shot just inside the goalkeeper’s near post. The goal was Balogun's first Champions League goal of the season and his third in the last six appearances for the Ligue 1 club. Balogun played the full 90 minutes in the match. Monaco is currently 18th in the Champions League standings.
These goals come at an opportune time for both players, as USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to name his roster for the November international break soon. The United States will play friendlies against Paraguay on November 15 in Chester, Pennsylvania, and against Uruguay on November 18 in Tampa, Florida. Both Pepi and Balogun are vying for a spot on the roster and will be hoping to carry their club form into the international games. Balogun is considered the frontrunner for the starting striker position, but Pepi's recent performances have made a strong case for his inclusion in the squad. Pepi has been in excellent form in the Dutch Eredivisie, with three league goals in his past four appearances, and five goals in 11 games overall. Balogun has scored four goals in 13 appearances for Monaco.
