SOCCER: Balogun goes from hero to suspended spectator as US advance

Folarin Balogun’s evening began with a goal and a celebration inspired by LeBron James. It ended with the United States striker leaving the field after a red card that will rule him out of what would have been the biggest match of his international career.

Balogun scored his third goal of the World Cup to give the United States men’s national team a first-half lead in their 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, extending his breakout tournament on home soil.

The forward celebrated by mimicking James’ signature “Silencer” gesture, lifting his knees and pounding his chest before repeatedly pushing both arms downward toward a roaring Santa Clara crowd.

James took notice.

“Helluva goal there Young King!” the NBA star posted on social media during the match, adding extra spotlight to Balogun’s moment.

But the night took a dramatic turn after halftime when Balogun was shown a red card for planting his boot into the ankle of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic, forcing the U.S. to play the remainder of the knockout match with 10 men.

The contact appeared accidental, and Balogun was not initially shown a yellow or red card, but he was eventually sent off following a Video Assistant Referee review.

For several tense minutes, the dismissal threatened to overshadow everything he had produced earlier in the match.

It also brought back difficult memories for U.S. supporters of Tim Weah’s sending-off against Panama at the 2024 Copa America, when the team unraveled in a group-stage exit on home soil.

This time, however, the response was different.

Rather than collapse, United States men's national soccer team stayed compact and disciplined under manager Mauricio Pochettino, defending resolutely while still creating chances in transition. Malik Tillman eventually doubled the lead with a free kick, allowing the U.S. to close out the win despite the numerical disadvantage.

“We had to dig deep for that one,” Christian Pulisic said.

“Obviously, I felt we put on such a good performance and didn’t deserve the red card. I didn’t see it, but it’s unfortunate. For us to dig in, get another goal, and defend the way we did, it took a real team effort, and we’re proud of that.”

For Balogun, the night was a contradiction: another sharp finish that reinforced his importance as a focal point of the U.S. attack, followed by a costly lapse that will now force him to watch from the stands in the Round of 16 against Belgium.

The United States survived without him on Wednesday. In Seattle on Monday, they will need to prove they can do it again from the start. -Reporting by Rory CarrollEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters