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Team USA men's soccer vs. New Zealand score: Americans get first win of 2024 Paris Olympics

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It's a record-breaking performance for the United States as they dispatched New Zealand 4-1 on Saturday in Marseille. The result not only erases the goal difference from losing to France to open play but it also is the most goals that the United States men have ever scored in the Olympics. Things began with Djordje Mihailovic netting the United States' first men's Olympic goal in 16 years from the penalty spot after Nathan Harriel drew a foul.

It was a full-circle moment for the team as their last Olympic goal was also from the penalty spot, a finish from Sacha Kljestan in the 88th minute against Nigeria 16 years ago. The United States wouldn't stop there though as Mihailovic became the provider on Walker Zimmerman's goal and Gianluca Busio also found the back of the net putting the United States ahead 3-0 after only 30 minutes of play.

Busio would exit in the first half after picking up a knock which is something to watch moving forward but Jack McGlynn was bright replacing him. Paxten Aaronson would net an insurance goal after moving to become a false nine. Marko Mitrovic will want his defense to have kept a clean sheet but this was the bounce-back performance that the United States needed to set up a scenario to make the knockout stages against Guinea on Tuesday.

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United States 4, New Zealand 1 (FT)

Four goals from four different goal scorers and just like that, the United States are sitting in a great position to qualify for the quarterfinals on the final matchday. Losing to France is firmly in the rearview mirror and now it's time to turn to Guinea on Tuesday. There's a chance that Gianluca Busio may not be available for that match but after Jack McGlynn's performance from the bench in relief of the Venezia man, the midfield will be in good hands either way.

July 27, 2024, 5:02 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:02 pm EDT
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Can anyone close this out with a fifth goal?

Yow is close again with Aaronson and Booth knocking the ball around but it was only enough for a corner kick.

July 27, 2024, 6:55 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 2:55 pm EDT
 
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New Zealand get one back

The fun is scuppered by Randall scoring for New Zealand. Even with a three goal lead, Mitrovic isn't very happy with losing the clean sheet at this stage of the game.

July 27, 2024, 6:41 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 2:41 pm EDT
 
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Everyone wants to score

There's no taking their foot off the gas in this second half as the United States attack is pushing with every chance that they have. Harriel and Paredes will now exit as Mitrovic works through his final substitutes.

July 27, 2024, 6:32 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 2:32 pm EDT
 
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We've got a record

With Paxten Aaronson's goal, it's the first time ever that the United States men have scored four goals in the Olympic Games. Griffin Yow makes an immediate impact entering and setting hip the false nine forward.

July 27, 2024, 6:22 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 2:22 pm EDT
 
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Changes coming

Yow and Dietz enter with McGuire and Mihailovic exiting. The move brings fresh legs while also adding a defensive presence into midfield. 

July 27, 2024, 6:19 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 2:19 pm EDT
 
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McGlynn makes the hard things look easy

A great shot from outside the box forces New Zealand into a save earning the United States a corner kick.

July 27, 2024, 6:18 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 2:18 pm EDT
 
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A more subdued half so far

The United States are being more cautious with when they go forward due to not wanting to allow New Zealand easy chances. 

July 27, 2024, 6:16 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 2:16 pm EDT
 
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We're back underway

New Zealand will be pressing to try and get back into this tie as the outlook of Group A is changing by the minute.

July 27, 2024, 6:08 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 2:08 pm EDT
 
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What a half

The Gianluca Busio injury keeps it from being a clean sweep of a first half but three goals and a strong lead heading into the break is just what the doctor ordered. Now it's up to the United States to maintain their energy to see this out.

July 27, 2024, 5:54 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:54 pm EDT
 
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Seven minutes of stoppage

The Olympic Games are still tracking stoppage to the letter of the law as with an injury, a VAR check, and three goals, seven minutes does make sense.

July 27, 2024, 5:46 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:46 pm EDT
 
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McGlynn will enter

Hopefully, it's nothing serious for Busio and his withdrawal is just a precaution. 

July 27, 2024, 5:38 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:38 pm EDT
 
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Busio goes down

Jack McGlynn is getting ready in case he's needed as the midfielder is receiving treatment. Following the excellent start for the United States, while you don't want to change anything, if there are any issues, it's best to be cautious. 

July 27, 2024, 5:36 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:36 pm EDT
 
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The goal difference issues have been wiped out now

A massive start for the United States here as now the three goals conceded to France have been clawed back. No one will complain if they score more goals though. 

July 27, 2024, 5:34 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:34 pm EDT
 
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We're dancing in Marseille!

It's a third goal for the United States as Busio won't miss that time. His first shot was saved but he hit the follow-up right into the net and 30 minutes into the match, this may be settled.

July 27, 2024, 5:31 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:31 pm EDT
 
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A chance for Busio

New Zealand blocked the shot well but it's clear that every time that the United States surges forward, they have a great chance to score.

July 27, 2024, 5:26 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:26 pm EDT
 
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New Zealand knocking

There was quite a shot from outside than box that forced Schulte into a good save when he was going in the opposite direction and this is why the United States defense needs to maintain composure. 

July 27, 2024, 5:23 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:23 pm EDT
 
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Walker Zimmerman!!!

The bright start has been rewarded as the United States is beginning to turn the screw. Harriel again was involved forcing a save but Zimmerman was there to follow it up.

July 27, 2024, 5:13 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:13 pm EDT
 
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Everything is easier when you start fast

The United States can't be overconfident during this match but that early goal has been a boost as they're knocking the ball around the pitch in Marseille.

July 27, 2024, 5:11 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:11 pm EDT
 
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Djordje Mihailovic from the spot

This is one of the reasons why experience players are important as the Colorado Rapids midfielder netted the United States men's first Olympic goal in 16 years with a strong finish!

July 27, 2024, 5:08 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:08 pm EDT
 
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A penalty to the United States

Nathan Harriel was chopped down in the box and the United States will have an early penalty only six minutes into the match.

July 27, 2024, 5:07 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:07 pm EDT
 
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A quick start for the United States

It didn't take 60 seconds for the United States to force a save via John Tolkin. They want to dictate the tempo and are doing a good job to start the match. 

July 27, 2024, 5:02 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 1:02 pm EDT
 
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Almost time for kickoff

It's time to get underway in this critical match.

July 27, 2024, 4:59 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 12:59 pm EDT
 
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Prediction

Despite their best efforts, the United States will make things harder for themselves by drawing against New Zealand and leaving things until the final day of group stage play where they'll become big fans of France. Pick: United States 1, New Zealand 1

July 27, 2024, 4:55 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 12:55 pm EDT
 
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Lose and it could be over

Pressure makes diamonds and one of the important things of a tournament like this is playing in meaningful games. Well, it only took one match to add pressure to the second. If the United States loses and France picks up a point, it will end their chance for a shot at the knockout round while a draw will take things out of their control.

Playing in games like this are when you see who can truly hold up under pressure versus who may only be a depth player in the squad so when figuring out who of the U-23s will have a chance with the senior side, games like this one against New Zealand are what will determine that. Of course, a poor performance here won't sink anyone but it will be a setback.

July 27, 2024, 4:50 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 12:50 pm EDT
 
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New Zealand's XI

Starters: Alex Paulsen, Sam Sutton, Michael Boxall, Finn Surman, Tyler Bindon, Matthew Garbett, Joe Bell, Jay Herdman, Sarpeet Singh, Lachlan Bayliss, Ben Waine

July 27, 2024, 4:47 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 12:47 pm EDT
 
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No changes for the United States

Marko Mitrovic is keeping what got them here

Starters: Patrick Schulte, Nathan Harriel, AWalker Zimmerman, Miles Robinson, John Tolkin, Gianluca Busio, Tanner Tessmann, Djordje Mihailovic, Paxten Aaronson, Duncan McGuire

July 27, 2024, 4:41 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 12:41 pm EDT
 
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You need more from the striker

Striker is a difficult position for the U.S. U-23s and it showed against France as Duncan McGuire only touched the ball three times in France's box. Only taking one shot he was a non-factor in the match while the attack struggled. There were options such as putting Aaronson as a false nine but when facing top teams, having a recognized striker in attack is key in international tournaments.

McGuire has performed well for Orlando City SC but when it comes to the national team it hasn't been the same. Ricardo Pepi scored a hat trick with PSV during preseason prep and if he was on this squad, the attack may have a different ceiling but since he isn't Mitrovic needs the striker that he does have to put the ball in the back of the net against New Zealand.

July 27, 2024, 4:40 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 12:40 pm EDT
 
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Group A schedule

New Zealand vs. United States, 1 p.m. on USA
France vs. Guinea, 3 p.m. on Telemundo

July 27, 2024, 4:25 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 12:25 pm EDT
 
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New Zealand storylines

Despite being outshot by Giunea, New Zealand were able to advance behind a winner from Plymouth Argyle striker Ben Waine. In 2020, this New Zealand team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Olympics so they're no strangers to getting out of the group stage, unlike the USMNT. They've never faced the United States before so their first meeting will come with high stakes.

July 27, 2024, 4:15 PM
Jul. 27, 2024, 12:15 pm EDT
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