The U.S. Men’s Olympic Journey Comes to an End in Paris

U.S. Men’s National Team – Quarterfinals – Game Recap  

The United States Olympic Men’s National Team played Morocco in their Quarterfinal match on Friday, August 2nd in Paris, France.

The U.S. Men had a free kick in the 9th minute of the match with Aaronson heading the ball towards goal which went just wide of the post; he was later called off side by the officials. U.S. goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made a critical save in the 13th minute to keep Morocco off the scoreboard. American midfielder McGlynn received a yellow card in the 17th minute of the match after fouling Moroccan forward Akhomach. 

In the 29th minute of the match, the match official blew his whistle for a penalty after American Nathan Harriel fouled Rahimi in the box giving Morocco a chance to get on the score sheet. After waiting for confirmation from the official, the VAR system did indeed rule it a penalty. Rahimi would make it 1-0 midway through the first half after striking the ball past American goalkeeper Schulte. The U.S. entered half time down by a goal.

The United States looked to start the second half strong with a comeback needed to advance to the next round. El Khannouss received a yellow card in the 57th minute after fouling American forward Kevin Paredes. Moroccan forward Akhomach scored in the 63rd minute to make it 2-0. After the goal, the United States made a double substitution with McGuire and Booth entering the game for Mihailovic and Yow in the 66th minute. Morocco would score again as team captain Achraf Hakimi made it 3-0 in the 70th minute. 

The United States made a double substitution in the 80th minute with Wiley and Cremaschi entering for Aaronson and Tolkin. Morocco made a triple substitution with Kechta, Maouhoub, and Bouchouari entering for Targhalline, Rahimi, and Richardson. The United States received an unlucky call in the 89th minute after a handball in the box, and Morocco were awarded their second penalty kick of the match. Maouhoub made it 4-0 in the 90’ +1 minute securing the win for the Moroccans. 

With a 4-0 loss to Morocco, the United States have been knocked out of the 2024 Paris Olympics.