Arsenal’s u19s fell to a 3-1 defeat against Mexican side Monterrey in their opening game of the 2019 Dallas Cup, despite yet another goal from Folarin Balogun.

Arsenal started slowly in their opening group stage game, falling behind early on. The goal came in strange circumstances, after Tom Smith’s parried save led to a weak rebound trickling over the line.

Star striker Balogun was on hand to respond. Captain Matt Smith played a trademark long ball over the top which Balogun latched onto. He then touched the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper and took the contact to win a penalty, which he duly scored.

It was Balogun’s 29th goal of the season in all competitions, and he could’ve added one or two more in the opening period. First, he saw a shot well saved when through on goal, then he had another strong claim for a penalty waved away.

Unfortunately, Monterrey punished Arsenal’s inability to take their opportunities, retaking the lead with a quick counter-attack.

In the second half, the u19s looked tired and frustrated, and they never really found the rhythm they had in the first 45 minutes. Monterrey extended their lead to 3-1 and Ken Gillard’s team ended up going down to 10 men after Harry Clarke’s late challenge resulted in a red card.

The young Gunners face Real Salt Lake next, needing a win to keep their trophy hopes alive.

Starting Lineup vs Monterrey: T. Smith, Alebiosu, McGuinness, Clarke, Swanson, Azeez, M. Smith, Cottrell, Greenwood, Balogun, Coyle

Second-half substitutes: Musah, Ogungbo, Dennis, Flaherty, Matthews