USMNT Ligue 1 match day 9 recap: Balogun nets first goal since World Cup

A rather quiet week for the USMNT in France as time winds down before the next international break, but one that again featured an American on the score sheet. Only a few matches remain before these stars return stateside, so current form is of the utmost importance.

Folarin Balogun, AS Monaco

Balo is finally back. He made his longest appearance of the season, a full 45 minutes after being substituted on at halftime, and scored his first goal of the campaign. Unfortunately, it was not enough, as Monaco fell 3-1 to Paris FC, but it was a tremendous sign in the right direction for the USMNT striker.

Balogun quickly made an impact, finishing a nice goal in the 65th minute to cut into Paris' lead. He put another shot on target seven minutes later, but it was saved. His presence was felt even if Monaco was unable to secure the win

A good run of form would go a long way for Balogun as transfer rumors heat up ahead of his impending January exit. 45 minutes might not seem like a lot, but it's 13 more than he's played in any match this season, and a performance like this one should earn him more minutes. His fitness will be critical for the USMNT in a couple of weeks.

Tanner Tessmann, Lyon

Tessmann earned his third consecutive league start and turned in a strong performance in Lyon's 2-0 victory against Angers. He was all over the pitch and had 93 touches in the game. He completed 79/84 passes and missed a shot just over the crossbar while adding one tackle.

Tessmann is certainly a name off most people's radar for the USMNT, but his recent performance makes him a long shot to be invited to this camp if MLS teams prefer to keep their players healthy before the playoffs. At the very least, it is promising to have another name in the mix.

Gio Reyna, Strasbourg

Reyna was one of the few not on the score sheet in Strasbourg's 5-1 drubbing of Auxerre. Still, he played a solid midfield role for the first 66 minutes of the match. He completed 23/26 passes and had two shots blocked. He made one tackle but was also dispossessed once.

A bump in the road in what's been an otherwise outstanding season for Reyna, who will certainly be vying for another starting position in Mauricio Pochettino's upcoming roster.

Tim Weah, Olympique Marseille vs Mark McKenzie, Toulousse

Neither defender was able to make a significant impact in a match Marseille won 2-0. Weah won only one of his seven duels but got three shots off, none of them on target. McKenzie played his normal, consistent match, winning six of ten duels and making three tackles.

Both are likely options to be added to the USMNT's November roster, being veterans with experience in competitive matches, but they'll have to fight hard for minutes.

Bryan Reynolds, Rennes

Reynolds came off the bench for Rennes and played the whole second half of the club's 5-2 defeat to Nice. The right-back had three tackles, completed 16/20 passes, and created a chance, but was dispossessed twice.

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