USMNT U-23's tie Iraq, lose to Morocco in November friendlies

21/11/2023 19:36

The U.S. Under-23 men’s national team continued its preparations for next summer’s Olympics, but struggled to end up on the winning end in a pair of November friendlies this past week.

Marko Mitrovic’s squad tied Iraq 1-1 on Nov. 18 before falling 1-0 on Tuesday to Morocco. Ben Cremaschi scored the lone goal for the Americans in their past of friendly matches while several players featured during the international break.

Cremaschi was among six USMNT U-23 players to go the distance against Iraq last week. Sporting KC’s John Pulskamp, Westerlo’s Bryan Reynolds, Philadelphia Union’s Nate Harriel, Bradford City’s Jonathan Tomkinson, and Venezia’s Tanner Tessmann were also among the players to play a full 90 minutes against Iraq.

Maximilian Dietz and Agustin Anello were among the players to feature off the bench.

Only four players went the distance in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Morocco. Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady got the nod between the posts while Dietz, Tomkinson, and New York Red Bulls fullback John Tolkin also logged 90 minutes apiece.

George Campbell and Esmir Bajraktarevic were among those to feature off the bench.

The USMNT U-23’s will continue their Olympic preparations in 2024 ahead of a trip to Paris.