The U.S. Men’s National Team stamped its place into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday night but will be without one of its key starters due to suspension.
Folarin Balogun, who scored the opening goal in Wednesday’s 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, will be ineligible to play after receiving a straight red card in the match. Balogun was ejected in the 64th minute of the match and cannot play in the next round due to FIFA regulations.
The USMNT are also unable to appeal the red card decision, forcing head coach Mauricio Pochettino to make a key decision atop his formation.
Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright are the only other strikers on the current roster while star attacker Christian Pulisic could also feature as a false No. 9, opening the door for Gio Reyna, Sebastian Berhalter, or others to come off the bench.
With Balogun set for a one-match ban for the Round of 16, here are three leading candidates to start in his place:
1.) Ricardo Pepi
The likely replacement for Balogun would be Ricardo Pepi.
Pepi started alongside Balogun in the 2-0 group stage win over Australia and also got a start in the 3-2 loss to Turkey. Despite a solid performance in a 3-2 friendly result over Senegal in May, Pepi has struggled to make an impact with the USMNT over the past year.
His lone USMNT goal in the past 16 months came against the aforementioned Senegal while he struggled to be much of a threat against Australia and Turkey.
However, a strong performance against Belgium would be exactly what Pepi needs to get back on track.
2.) Haji Wright
Haji Wright would be next in line to start in Balogun’s absence, should Pochettino decide to go with him over Pepi.
Minutes have been scarce for Wright this summer, which is a worry given his productive season with newly-promoted EPL side Coventry City. Wright scored 18 goals in Frank Lampard’s squad as the Sky Blues won the second division title and sealed a first return to England’s top-flight in 20+ years.
However, Wright has played just one minute for the USMNT since his club season ended, making a late cameo in the victory over Australia.
Wright is a different type of striker than Pepi and ultimately has had more success under Pochettino than his attacking teammate, which could give him the nod.
3.) Christian Pulisic
The final option I see Pochettino using is Christian Pulisic as a false No. 9.
Pulisic has played the role before with the USMNT and a shift in personnel could be something that gives Belgium trouble. If Pulisic slides further upfield, Pochettino could also bring in a Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, or Sebastian Berhalter as an extra midfielder, giving the USMNT more coverage defensively.
Pulisic’s form has continued to grow at the World Cup this summer and shifting him higher upfield could be what gets him on the scoresheet.
Who do you think should, and will start in Balogun’s absence? Do you see any other potential names being used at the No. 9 other than the players listed above?
Share your thoughts below.
Source: Sbisoccer.com
