The US Men’s Olympic Soccer Team suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to host nation France, marking their return to the Olympic Games after a 16-year absence. The match took place in a vibrant atmosphere at the Orange Velodrome stadium in Marseille on Wednesday, ahead of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony.
Game Highlights
Restricted to players under the age of 23, with allowances for three overage players, the US team showcased some of the nation’s top young talents against elite opposition. Despite a promising start and several close calls in the second half, the US failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
France’s captain Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring with a powerful low shot from outside the box. Shortly after, Michael Olise doubled the lead with a left-footed strike, set up by Lacazette. Defender Loic Bade sealed the victory, heading home a corner from Joris Chotard. A late goal from Griffin Young was ruled offside by VAR, adding to the US team’s frustration.
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Context and History
The game was significant, being the first Olympic meeting between the US and France. France, runners-up in the 2022 Men’s World Cup and semifinalists in the 2024 Euros, showcased their experience and quality. In contrast, the US team had struggled in recent competitions, failing to progress beyond the group stages of the Copa America earlier this month.
The US Men’s best Olympic performance was a fourth-place finish at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. In their last Olympic appearance in 2008, future stars like Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, and Sacha Kljestan represented the US but narrowly missed advancing to the knockout round.
Looking Ahead
The US team aims to bounce back in their next match against New Zealand on Saturday, hoping to improve upon their best Olympic finish and make a significant impact at Paris 2024.