The U.S. Men Advance to the Quarterfinals for the First Time in 24 Years

U.S. Men’s National Team – Group Stage – Game 3 Recap  

The United States Men’s National Team entered their final match of group stage play sitting second in the table with three points. A win or a tie over Guinea would advance them to the next round of the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

The United States started the first half strong with a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute of the match after a direct free-kick from Djordje Mihailovic. Guinea also had a few shots on target in the first half but the American defense were able to stop all incoming shots. Guinea made a substitution in the 28th minute with Oulare entering the match for Cisse. American forward Paredes would make it 2-0 in the 31st minute with an assist from Paxton Aaronson. Griffin Yow had a close chance in the 42nd minute to add to the goal tally but hit the post for the second time in the match. Team USA entered the locker room with the 2-0 lead over Guinea.

Guinea began the second half with a goalkeeper change with Keita replacing Sylla in net. The United States made a double substitution with Atencio and McGlynn entering the match for Dietz and Mihailovic in the 52nd minute. The U.S. Men made another double substitution with McGuire and Booth coming on the pitch for Aaronson and Yow in the 66th minute. Parades had his second goal of the match making it 3-0 in the 75th minute with a beautiful left footed strike in the box. Soon after scoring, Paredes was subbed off with Caleb Wiley entering the match. Patrick Schulte had a terrific save in the 90’ +4 minute to keep the clean sheet for Team USA. 

With a 3-0 win over Guinea, the United States have advanced to the knockout stage and will play Morocco on Friday, August 2nd in Paris, France at 9:00am EST.