USMNT Olympic squad suffers quarterfinal loss to Morocco
08/02/2024 10:43 AM
The U.S. Men’s Olympic squad’s run in Paris came to a frustrating ending on Friday afternoon.
Morocco blanked Marko Mitrovic’s squad 4-0 in quarterfinal action on Friday, with four different players getting on the scoresheet. Soufiane Rahimi opened the scoring in the first half before Ilias Akhomach, Achraf Hakimi, and Mehdi Maouhoub padded the result after halftime.
It marked the U.S. men’s furthest advancement in an Olympic Games in program history.
Morocco’s early pressure eventually led to the opening goal of the match. Nate Harriel fouled Rahimi in the box, allowing the tournament’s leading goalscorer to extend his total to five tallies, making it 1-0.
Tanner Tessmann’s header attempt was saved in the 49th minute, which marked the U.S. lone effort on target in the match.
Akhomach extended Morocco’s lead to 2-0 in the 63rd minute, drilling a right-footed shot into the bottom corner of Patrick Schulte’s net.
Star full back Hakimi added further insult to injury in the 70th minute, stroking home from long-range for a 3-0 Morocco advantage.
Morocco capped the final score at 4-0 before stoppage time after Maouhoub slotted home from the penalty spot. Harriel was whistled for hand ball in the box, summing up a forgettable day for the Philadelphia Union right back.
The USMNT fought valiantly in France to rebound from an opening night loss to the host nation, but will be disappointed after being blanked on Friday in a do-or-die match.
For many of these players, these experiences in France will serve as springboards into their club seasons in Europe, as well as potential senior USMNT careers going forward.
