The U.S. men’s soccer team delivered a crucial victory against New Zealand in their Group A match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, decisively winning 4-1. This win was vital for the Americans, who needed a strong performance to boost their chances of advancing past the group stage, especially after a disappointing loss to France in their opener.
From the outset, the U.S. team displayed a sense of urgency and determination. Defender Nathan Harriel’s drive into the opposition’s box resulted in a foul, granting the Americans an early penalty. Midfielder Djordje Mihailovic stepped up and converted the spot-kick with composure, giving the U.S. a 1-0 lead. This early goal set the tone for the match and galvanized the team.
Just four minutes later, the U.S. doubled its lead. Veteran defender Walker Zimmerman, one of the overaged players on the roster, capitalized on a rebound from close range to make it 2-0. Zimmerman’s experience and poise were evident as he seized the opportunity, further demoralizing the New Zealand defense.
The U.S. continued to dominate throughout the first half. In a well-coordinated attack, Kevin Paredes provided a precise assist to Gianluca Busio inside the box, who slotted the ball home to extend the lead to 3-0. This relentless pressure from the Americans left New Zealand struggling to find a foothold in the game.
In the second half, the U.S. maintained its control over the match. Paxten Aaronson added to the tally in the 58th minute, marking the team’s fourth goal. Aaronson’s strike showcased the depth of talent in the squad and underscored the team’s attacking prowess.
New Zealand managed to score a consolation goal in the final 15 minutes, but it was too little too late for the Oceanic nation to mount a significant comeback. The goal served as a minor blemish on an otherwise dominant performance by the Americans.
U.S. head coach Marko Mitrovic praised his team’s early start, noting that it paved the way for a calm and controlled performance. The victory not only put the U.S. in a favorable position to advance, likely needing just one more point to secure progression, but it also erased a concerning minus-3 goal differential from their opening loss.
Looking ahead, the U.S. men will face Guinea in their next match at 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 30. While the victory against New Zealand provides a confidence boost, Mihailovic emphasized the importance of staying focused and recognizing that the job is not yet complete.
For New Zealand, the path to advancement has become significantly tougher. They will need a result against a formidable France team to keep their tournament hopes alive. As the group stage progresses, the stakes continue to rise, promising more thrilling and high-stakes soccer action.
