The U.S. Olympic Men’s Soccer Team is making the most of its first Olympic appearance in 16 years, ensuring their stay in France continues beyond the group stage.
USMNT poised to reach the podium in Paris
Team USA advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years, securing a second-place finish in Group A after a commanding 3-0 victory over Guinea on Tuesday.
The win was powered by two goals from Kevin Paredes and an early score by Djordje Mihailovic.
Competing in their first Olympics since Beijing 2008, the U.S. team has reached the knockout stage for the first time since the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Their next challenge will be a quarterfinal match against Group B winner Morocco on Friday.
Host France topped Group A, while Morocco and Argentina advanced from Group B.
Egypt and Spain moved forward from Group C, and Japan secured their place in the knockout round from Group D.
Incredible performance from USMNT, booking their first quarterfinal since 2000. pic.twitter.com/J1qDWMpowX
? Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 30, 2024
Kevin Paredes emerging as a leader for US Soccer
Team USA took the lead in the 14th minute with Mihailovic curving a free kick into the top left corner.
Paredes extended the lead in the 31st minute, sprinting down the right side and delivering a powerful shot past Guinea’s goalkeeper, Soumala Sylla.
Paredes sealed the victory with a second goal in the 75th minute, receiving a long pass from Jack McGlynn, maneuvering from the wing to the center, and sending a left-footed shot into the top right corner.
This performance marked Paredes as the second USMNT player to score two goals in an Olympic match since Rick Davis in 1984.
The U.S. team advanced out of group play with six points, compiling a 2-0-1 record to finish second in Group A.
Despite losing their opening match 3-0 to France, they rebounded with a 4-1 win over New Zealand before their decisive victory over Guinea.
This marks the third time the U.S. has reached the quarterfinals of the Olympic Men’s Soccer Tournament in its 100-year history at the Games, dating back to Paris 1924.
Paredes highlighted the team’s cohesion and joy on the field.
“We’re so happy to play together, we’re so happy to have the ball, and in these past couple of games, it’s really showed,” he said.
As the U.S. continues its quest for an elusive Olympic medal, fans have a reason to be excited.
The quarterfinal match against Morocco is scheduled for 9 a.m. ET on Friday.
