USA’s Folarin Balogun misses two penalties in Monaco loss

United States striker Folarin Balogun missed two penalties as AS Monaco lost 1-0 to local rival Nice in France’s Ligue 1 on Friday.

Balogun was making his first start for Monaco after joining from Arsenal and had his first spot kick saved by goalkeeper Marcin Bulka in the 12th minute. The striker got a second chance in the 56th, but again only managed a low penalty that was Bulka was able to parry.

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Monaco then paid the price when Jeremie Boga burst forward in the first minute of added time and broke into the area before holding off a defender and slotting a shot inside the far post to hand Monaco its first loss of the season.

Balogun, who featured for England at youth level and was also eligible to represent Nigeria, had a one-time switch to represent the U.S. approved by FIFA in May of this year. The 22-year-old has scored two goals in four appearances for the USMNT.

Balogun scored his first goal for Monaco last Sunday after coming from the bench in his team 2-2 draw at Lorient.

Friday’s win puts Nice provisionally in first place on 12 points from six rounds, one point ahead of Monaco. Brest or Marseille could overtake the lead with a win this weekend.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.