Balogun's Brace Powers USMNT to Statement 4-1 Win Over Paraguay

The U.S. men's national team opened its home World Cup in dream fashion, dismantling Paraguay 4-1 at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium in front of 70,492 fans. Folarin Balogun stole the show, becoming the first American to score twice in a single World Cup match since 1930. An own goal in the 7th minute set the tone, sparked by a slick Pulisic-McKennie combination down the left. Balogun doubled the lead in the 31st, finishing a Pulisic cutback, then curled a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner in first-half stoppage time to make it 3-0 at the break, a program first. Gio Reyna iced the result late with a sensational finish. Christian Pulisic, electric throughout, was withdrawn at halftime with the game already won. Manager Mauricio Pochettino praised both the atmosphere and his striker's decisiveness. The co-hosts now turn to Australia on June 19 in Seattle, with a chance to clinch Group D early."