Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi, the competition is on! USMNT winners and losers as both strikers make their mark in win over Oman
For years, the U.S. has been begging for a striker. Now, Gregg Berhalter's side has two that look ready for the big moments.
They say a rising tide lifts all boats. It's an old saying but, in sports, it's often true. Competition, more often than not, is a good thing, and the introduction of just one newcomer can sometimes take everyone and everything to a new level.
That was apparent on Tuesday night. The introduction of Folarin Balogun has raised the potential of the USMNT in the long-term, and it's clear that the new striker has lit under a fire under one that was once in his place.
Balogun and Ricardo Pepi both got on the scoresheet in the 4-0 win over Oman, scoring in either half with both playing 45 minutes. Balogun's goal was a poacher's effort, a solid finish on a rebound from a Sergino Dest striker. Pepi's, meanwhile, was another well-hit missile after he scored a similar blast against Uzbekistan.
Balogun now has two goals in under 300 USMNT minutes. Pepi, meanwhile, has six goals in six USMNT appearances as Balogun's arrival, and his World Cup snub, haven't deterred him in the slightest.
The strikers were big winners on Tuesday night, but they weren't the only winners for the USMNT. It was a complete performance from top to bottom, one that will leave Gregg Berhalter excited looking ahead to bigger tests next month against Germany and Ghana.
GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Allianz Field...
Read on goal.com
