The Olympic run has come to an end for the United States in a 3-0 loss to Morocco. Goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Ilias Akhomach proved to be too much for Marko Mitrovic's men to overcome after making it out of the group stage for the first time in 24 years. Reckless defending from Nathan Harriel in the first half gifted Morocco a penalty that Rahimi wouldn't miss to score his fourth goal of the Olympics as the Atlas Lions took care of business in their first-ever appearance in the Olympic Games knockout stage. Captain Achraf Hakimi closed things out after a missed tackle from Kevin Paredes to score in his home stadium at Parc des Princes.
It was a pro-Morocco crowd in Paris and they made their presence felt. It was a similar situation to the United States' opening match against France where they wilted under pressure in a 3-0 defeat, but it's also an important experience for these young players. Losing in competitive matches like this are things that stick with you and as some of this team will be involved with the senior squad at the 2026 World Cup, they'll grow from this but there are questions around the U.S. setup as a whole.
They're able to defeat teams that they're supposed to defeat, but the next step for the setup as a whole is raising their stature which is something that hasn't been done yet. In players like Paxten Aaronson, John Tolkin, and Kevin Paredes the talent is there to take the next step, but they'll need to be challenged more in the next few years to fully reach their potential.
Don't miss CBS Sports Golazo Network's Call It What You Want breaking it all down.
The first Olympics in 16 years for the United States came to a disappointing close getting thumped by Morococo but it's quite a growth moment for the U-23s. Despite losing, they made a good account of themselves during the Olympics and with proper growth, members of this squad will be involved in the 2026 World Cup.
The end is in sight, just don't concede more penalties.
With Rahimi off the pitch, Maouhoub was up to take and he wouldn't miss.
Nathan Harriel has conceded his second penalty of the game via a hand ball. His arm was tucked but the penalty will be given anyway.
Five minutes remain in regulation but there will be some stoppage time added on.
It's a second half implosion as the pro-Morocco crowd celebrates their captain scoring at the Olympics.
The United States didn't track Akhomach streaking into the box and the Villarreal man finished his chance well to put the Atlas Lions up 2-0 in their first ever knockout game.
Zimmerman got the ball to Robinson in the box but he didn't know what to do with his feet slicing the chance. So far in the second half, the United States have grown into the match.
Palming the ball out of the center to stop Hakimi from having an excellent chance, the Columbus Crew man is doing a great job to ensure that the match stays close.
Paredes got the ball to Aaronson who shot from the middle of the box and drew a corner. Much better from the United States to start the second half of play.
There will likely be a short leash as the United States needs a victory here.
Morocco's only goal may have come form the penalty spot but that doesn't mean that they haven't been dangerous from open play as well. The United States will need to tighten their passing in the second half as they're struggling to break the press but only trailing by a goal, there is plenty of space to come back.
While it would be good to get an equalizer, just getting to the half down a goal will be a success.
It's tough for the United States to get the ball forward as Morocco are getting tight on each U.S. midfielder making it quite hard to advance the ball. Without McGuire, the United States can't really go long to a target man but their best attack has been the one on the pitch currently.
The United States now trail for the first time since facing France in the group stage, can they respond to the adversity?
The foul was given against Nathan Harriel but it will be checked by VAR as it doesn't seem like Harriel made contact with the attacker.
Struggling to keep up with Morocco's midfield McGlynn conceded a free kick in a dangerous area. Hakimi put his free kick on frame but it was well saved.
Akhomach forces Schulte into a save and it's yet another corner as these are piling up early. There hasn't been much in the sense of real chances but that could change shortly.
It was a well worked set pice out to Zimmerman but Aaronson was offside in the middle of the pitch.
Morocco are trying to get bodies on the U.S. runners in space but it is being managed well. Paredes is taking up deeper positions to help with defensive duties but he is still picking his moments to get forward.
They draw a corner less than a minute into the match after some dynamic attacking play. It's a good delivery from McGlynn but it was dealt with.
We're five minutes from kickoff, and while this match is the focus the winner will face either Japan or Spain in the next round.
The run will continue for the Americans as their attack will prove to be too much for Morocco to keep up with. It will be a tense match as the Atlas Lions can cause issues but the talent in the Amercian front three will eventually win out. Pick: United States 2, Morocco 1
Richardson will be in midfield but this is a strong side.
Starters: Munir, El Ouahdi, Boukamir, El Azzouzi, Hakimi, Richardson, Targhalline; Ezzalzouli, El Khannouss, Akhomach; Rahimi
There is a change in the starting XI with Jack McGlynn entering in midfield but for the most part, Mitrovic is keeping what worked
Starters: Patrick Schulte, Nathan Harriel, Miles Robinson, Walker Zimmerman, John Tolkin, Tanner Tessmann, Jack McGlynn, Djordje Mihailovic, Griffin Yow, Paxten Aaronson, Kevin Paredes
