The Olympic journey for the United States men’s soccer team has come to a painful conclusion after they faced a 4-0 defeat against Morocco in the quarterfinal stage on Friday.
The Americans aimed to create more history in Paris following their first quarterfinal appearance in over twenty years with a convincing 3-0 victory over Guinea earlier this week.
Duncan McGuire #13 of the United States reacts after losing to Morocco during the Men’s Quarter Final match during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 2, 2024, in Paris, France.
(Andrea Vilchez/ISI/Getty Images)
Morocco’s leading scorer in these Games, Soufiane Rahimi, opened the scoring with a penalty in the 29th minute after a foul was called on U.S. defender Nathan Harriel. This was his fifth goal in the Paris Olympics.
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While the U.S. managed to defend against Morocco’s attacks in the first half, the scenario changed drastically after the halftime break at Parc des Princes.
Ilias Akhomach, Achraf Hakimi, and Mehdi Maouhoub would also find the net for Morocco, dashing what could have been a historic medal opportunity for the USMNT.
Mehdi Maouhoub of Morocco celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammates during the Men’s Football Quarter-final match between Morocco and USA on Day 7 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 2, 2024, in Paris, France.
(Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
USA WOMEN’S SOCCER WINS GROUP AFTER 3RD STRAIGHT WIN TO OPEN OLYMPICS
The men’s team, participating in their first Olympics since 2008, aspired to replicate the success of the 2000 team in Sydney, which reached the semifinals. The USMNT has never secured an Olympic medal in the modern era.
In contrast, the women’s team has had a strong start.
Kevin Paredes, #7 of the United States, is consoled by Achraf Hakimi, #2 of Morocco, following the Men’s Quarter Final match during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 2, 2024, in Paris, France.
(Andrea Vilchez/ISI/Getty Images)
They achieved victories in all three group matches and are scheduled to play against Japan on Saturday at Parc des Princes in Paris.
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The USWNT has progressed to the knockout stage in each of the eight Olympic tournaments they have participated in. Their lowest finish was in the quarterfinals against Sweden in 2016, but they have medaled in every other tournament, including four gold medals.
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
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