The United States men’s national team bounced back from their opening defeat to France with a fantastic 4-1 triumph against New Zealand in their second group stage game. Saturday’s result ties the biggest Olympic win in USMNT history.
The U.S. men had never scored more than three goals in the Olympics before with their best-ever result being a 3-0 victory vs. Costa Rica in 1984.
Following the 3-0 defeat to France in the opener the USA sat bottom of the group. New Zealand defeated Guinea 2-1 in their first game.
USA vs New Zealand soccer highlights
Being bottom of the group didn’t faze the Americans as they had a flying start scoring three goals in the first half.
Djordje Mihailovic opened the scoring in the eighth minute from the penalty spot after a poorly timed tackled from the Kiwis gave the USA a golden opportunity.
Djordje Mihailovic scores the United States men's first Olympic goal in 16 years to take the lead over New Zealand! #ParisOlympics
USA Network and Peacock pic.twitter.com/3LlxnYW8xA— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 27, 2024
Mihailovic is one of the three overage players on the roster. Walker Zimmerman is one of the other over-23 players and scored the USA’s second goal in the 12th minute.
A free kick into the box pinballed in front of New Zealand’s goal before Zimmerman stabbed it in to double the lead.
IT’S TWO.
The United States are off to a flying start against New Zealand. #ParisOlympics
USA Network and Peacock pic.twitter.com/5EuQ33jiRV— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 27, 2024
What a moment for the 31-year-old defender.
Gianluca Busio added the USMNT’s third goal in the 30th minute to pile it on in a fantastic first half.
3 GOALS IN 30 MINUTES. #ParisOlympics
USA and Peacock pic.twitter.com/q3w4VZR0o9— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 27, 2024
Busio’s night would end early as he pulled up in the first half with a non-contact injury and had to leave the game. The Venezia midfielder was able to walk off under his own power, but his injury will be a big concern.
The pressure didn’t cease from the USA in the second half as Paxten Aaronson added the historic fourth goal in the 58th minute. The younger brother of Brenden Aaronson had a quick turn and tidy finish in the box.
For the first time EVER, Team USA men’s soccer has scored four goals in an Olympic game! #ParisOlympics
USA Network and Peacock pic.twitter.com/W2dIA3u6KC— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 27, 2024
This was the first time the U.S. men had ever scored four goals in the Olympics.
New Zealand added a consolation goal late in the game as Jesse Randall blasted the ball into the upper-90 in the 78th minute.
¡GOLAZOOOO DE NUEVA ZELANDA!
Jesse Randall firma un lindo gol y descuenta para su país ⚽️#NuevaZelanda 1-4 @USYNT
Peacock ➡️ https://t.co/ul4uFJ71Tf
Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/nsiV2UMS7l#OlimpicosTelemundo #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/fFuNUaFESM— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 27, 2024
The victory puts the USA in great position to get out of the group. France and Guinea will play later Saturday. A win against Guinea on Tuesday for the Americans will book the USA’s ticket to the knockout stages.
The last time the U.S. men got out of the group stage of the Olympics was 24 years ago in Sydney.
