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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 kept quiet</li><li>USMNT star remains starter for Monaco</li><li>Minamino and Ben Yedder fire hosts to victory</li></ul>

A quiet day from Folarin Balogun! USMNT star never gets going, but Monaco win anyway as Takumi Minamino and Wissam Ben Yedder score to sink Montpellier

Monaco entered Sunday's match in search of a bounce-back performance, having lost their last match, 5-2, to PSG. That loss was their second consecutive match without a win, having previously drawn away at Le Havre, making Sunday's meeting with Montpellier all the more important for a team looking to fight near the top of the table.It didn't take long for Monaco to take the lead, though. Following a Vanderson shot, Takumi Minamino pounced on the loose ball. It was a simple finish for the ex-Liverpool man, who scored his fifth league goal of the season to make it 1-0.Monaco's path to victory was made all the easier in the 69th minute when Montpellier's Kiki Kouyate was sent off with a red card following a VAR review. It took until second-half stoppage time for Monaco to truly take advantage, though, as Wissam Ben Yedder, Balogun's replacement off the bench, scored to seal the win.

WHAT HAPPENED?

With the win, Monaco maintain their stranglehold on third place in Ligue 1 as they look to pressure the two teams above them. Through 14 games played, Monaco have 27 points, with PSG leading the league on 33 and Nice just behind them on 29.Monaco also have a four-point lead on Lille in fourth and Balogun's former side, Reims, who sit in fifth due to goal difference.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/watch-folarin-balogun-goal-monaco-loss-psg-usmnt-striker/bltee7b3f9be676a8b4" target="_blank">After scoring against PSG last time out</a>, Sunday was a significantly quieter day for Balogun.The USMNT star had an early chance saved but, from that point on, was somewhat wasteful at the top of Monaco's attack. That sixth-minute chance was the only one of six shots he put on target as the American striker was uncharacteristically off during his time on the field.It isn't too much of a worry, though, as Balogun seemingly remains a key player for the club. He's started back-to-back matches and eight of the club's last nine games, scoring three of his four Monaco goals during that span.Ben Yedder's late goal could change things, although the two have started together multiple times this season. The veteran Frenchman now has six goals in Ligue 1, making him the club's leading scorer so far.

USMNT IMPACT

Folarin Balogun (5/10):Never quite got going after an early chance to score. Had just 37 touches in 71 minutes, 13 of which came in the opposition box, but put just one of his six shots on frame.

GOAL'S RATINGS

Up next for Monaco is a trip to Rennes, who sit midtable in Ligue 1 this season. After that, Balogun and Co. will have the opportunity to become the latest team to pile on Lyon's misery as they host Ligue 1's last-place side in their penultimate match of 2023.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

A quiet day from Folarin Balogun! USMNT star never gets going, but Monaco win anyway as Takumi Minamino and Wissam Ben Yedder score to sink Montpellier | Goal.com

Folarin Balogun was kept off the scoresheet as the American had a quiet day in Monaco&apos;s 2-0 win over Montpellier