U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Dominates New Zealand in Olympic Match
The U.S. men’s soccer team displayed a winning mentality early and often in their recent match against New Zealand, scoring four goals to get their Olympic Games campaign back on track. This impressive performance comes after a 16-year wait for Olympic success, with the team’s last goal in the Games dating back to 2008.
Record-Breaking Victory
The U.S. team’s four goals against New Zealand mark the most they have ever scored in an Olympic match. The 3-goal margin of victory ties the highest in team history at the Games, showcasing their dominance on the field.
It all started quickly for the U.S. squad, with Nathaniel Harriel earning a penalty kick just seven minutes into the game. Djordje Mihailovic stepped up confidently to convert the penalty, setting the tone for the match. Defender Walker Zimmerman doubled the lead not long after, becoming the oldest U.S. Olympic men’s soccer player to score at the Games since 1924.
Midfielder Gianluca Busio added a third goal for the U.S. before being forced off the field due to injury. The team continued their attacking prowess in the second half, with Paxten Aaronson scoring the fourth goal in the 58th minute.
New Zealand’s Late Effort
New Zealand managed to score a consolation goal in the 77th minute through Jesse Randall, but it was not enough to overcome the U.S. team’s dominant performance.
In Marseille, U.S. coach Marko Mitrovic fielded the same starting XI as in their previous match against France, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat. However, the team bounced back brilliantly against New Zealand, putting themselves in a strong position to advance in the tournament with a result against Guinea on Tuesday.
Overall, the U.S. men’s soccer team’s victory over New Zealand has reignited their Olympic campaign and put them on the path to success in the Games.