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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Balogun starts on bench</li><li>Subbed on at half-time, fails to make impact</li><li>Monaco lose 3-1 to Reims</li></ul>

Monaco's defense still their biggest issue! USMNT star Folarin Balogun's second half cameo fails to spark comeback against ex-club Reims

Folarin Balogun's former club ran riot at the Stade Louis-II Saturday afternoon. The scoreline may not have reflected a dominant showing, but Monaco were lifeless in front of their home supporters, while the opposition executed a perfect gameplan to take all three points.Malta international Teddy Teuma opened the scoring in the 35th minute - and arguably should have had at least two more throughout the match - and Reims went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead. Monaco earned a bit of a blunder goal back in the 49th minute , but Reims regained the lead back six minutes later though Reda Khadra. The dagger in the contest came in second half stoppage-time as Azor Matusiwa scored a third to make it 3-1, with the final whistle arriving minutes later.Balogun was brought on at the half-time break, but made little to zero impact in the attack for the French side.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Balogun was subbed on at half-time for Maghnes Akilouche, and was thrust into a wider role than he normally plays. As a true poaching center-forward, he struggled to play the role of creator, as Wissam Ben Yedder occupied the central striker role. One could blame Adolf Hutter for trying to force the 22-year-old to play a role he's not successful at, but it was a poor cameo all around from Balogun. The 22-year-old struggled linking simple passes with those around him, and was more often than not the loser of one-on-one ground duels.A late stoppage-time chance saw the USMNT striker register his only shot of the match on target, but it was straight at the goalkeeper.It would be fair to say that the majority of the players who sported the Monaco badge throughout the match struggled on Saturday, though. A rough way to begin the calendar year, and a loss that may all but take away any title hopes they had. PSG have a game in hand and are seven points clear after the loss to Reims, who move up to fifth in the table - just four points behind Monaco.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Balogun not getting the start against his former club might be a small worry, but regardless, 45 minutes off the bench is a plus for the American and Gregg Berhalter. With Copa America and the Concacaf Nations League semi-finals on the horizon, it's important that the USMNT striker starts to accumulate regular minutes.

USMNT IMPACT

Folarin Balogun (5/10): He was subbed on at half-time, but in a wider role than normal. They didn't play to his strengths and he struggled to influence the game.

GOAL'S RATINGS

Monaco are back in action next weekend in the Coupe de France, where they'll take on second-division side Rodez on January 20. Then, it's Ligue 1 action seven days later against Marseille and Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Monaco's defense is still their biggest issue! USMMT star Folarin Balogun's second half cameo fails to spark a comeback as they fall to Reims | Goal.com

Folarin Balogun&apos;s first match of 2024 saw him arrive off the bench, as Monaco fell to his former club Reims 3-1 in Ligue 1 action.