"I'm Back": Folarin Balogun Marks Return With Goal In US Rout Of Haiti

Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun marked their return to the United States squad with goals as the Americans thrashed Haiti 6-0 on Saturday in the first leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal in Miami. Auston Trusty, Julian Hall and Weston McKennie were also on target for the United States, which recorded its highest-scoring performance under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The match also marked the beginning of what will be a brief farewell for Pochettino, who has agreed to take charge of Manchester United after two years with the United States men's national team.

Just three months after signing a contract to lead the Americans through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) confirmed that Pochettino will leave for Old Trafford next week.

"We played for him. Obviously, he's our gaffer. It's sad that he's moving on, but it's a great opportunity for him. We played for him. It's his team, it's his identity, and the mindset is to win every single game," Trusty said in a post-match interview with TNT Sports after opening the scoring in the 10th minute.

The second leg of the quarterfinal will be played in Cincinnati on Tuesday.

"Pochettino is an amazing manager, and he has added a lot to us with the national team," Balogun told TNT Sports.

"It's always sad to see a top coach leave, but it's part of the sport."

Saturday's match was played in front of a largely pro-Haiti crowd, with supporters draped in the nation's blue and red colours.

Ongoing violence in Haiti has prevented Les Grenadiers from hosting matches on home soil, forcing them to play as the designated home side in South Florida, which is home to the largest Haitian diaspora community in the United States.

The Haitian supporters thought they had a moment to celebrate in the 70th minute when Lenny Joseph finished a cross from Josue Casimir, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Pulisic had missed the United States' recent friendly victories over Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada while recovering from a microfracture in his right tibia and fibula suffered during the team's defeat to Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

Balogun, meanwhile, returned after missing those friendlies, having not featured in Monaco's opening four Ligue 1 matches following the collapse of a potential transfer to Everton.

Pulisic converted a penalty in the 62nd minute to make it 3-0 before scoring again less than two minutes later with a strike from outside the box after being set up by Alex Freeman.

Balogun completed the scoring in the 82nd minute, finishing past goalkeeper Alexandre Pierre before pointing to his wrist in celebration.

The striker later explained that the gesture was inspired by NBA star Damian Lillard, who famously uses the same celebration to signal that it is "Dame Time".

"I just wanted to show it's my time," Balogun said.

"I'm back."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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