Paredes scored two brilliant left-footed efforts, leading the U.S. to victory over Guinea and spot in quarterfinals
The U.S. men's Olympics national team have advanced to the knockout stages of the 2024 Paris Games after a 3-0 blanking of Guinea in their final group stage match of the tournament. For the first time since 2000, the U.S. U23 squad will play in a win-or-go-home contest in the tournament, where they will take on Morocco at 9 a.m. ET Friday in the quarterfinals.
The U.S. opened the scoring against Guinea through Colorado Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailovic, who scored an absolutely stupendous free kick from 19 yards out in the 14th minute of the match. Their lead was doubled in the 29th, after Wolfsburg winger Kevin Paredes was unleashed through the middle of the pitch off a brilliant through ball by Paxten Aaronson.
He finished tidy, cutting onto his left foot, with a strike that set the tone for the remainder of the match.
After a series of second half substitutions, Paredes wrapped up his cameo with his second of the day, making it 3-0 with a lovely left-footed strike into the top-right corner in the 75th minute.
A clean sheet and a victory meant the U.S. finished in second place in Group A, with their path to the Olympic podium now clear. U.S. coach Marko Mitrovic will now look to lead his team towards a medal, an feat last accomplished by the USMNT in 1904.
GOAL rates the U23 USMNT players from Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Ettiene.
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Patrick Schulte (7/10):
Kept a clean sheet, was solid when called upon. Good distribution.
Nathaniel Harriel (6/10):
Locked down his flank, but was a tad sloppy on the ball with his passing.
Walker Zimmerman (7/10):
A brick wall at the back, was sensational anytime Guinea threatened.
Miles Robinson (7/10):
His best game yet. Distribution was pinpoint and was accurate when on the ball. Big confidence boost.
John Tolkin (8/10):
Another really great performance from the RBNY youngster. Fantastic in transition.
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Maxi Dietz (7/10):
A very solid introduction to the XI, replacing the injured Gianluca Busio. Played his role very well.
Djordje Mihailovic (8/10):
Scored a stupendous free kick and carved up the opposition defense. His best performance in this kit yet.
Tanner Tessman (7/10):
Avoided a yellow card, which was the key to his performance. Played in a higher central role and ran the tempo immaculately.
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Griffin Yow (8/10):
Brilliant in his first start of the Games. Lively and all over the pitch.
Paxten Aaronson (8/10):
Another game, another assist. Was brilliant in a center-forward role, and showed Mitrovic why he's best suited in this spot.
Kevin Paredes (8/10):
Sensational first goal of the tournament. His best performance in the Olympics, and much more comfortable playing off Aaronson.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Joshua Atencio (6/10):
Replaced Dietz and was solid to close out the match.
Jack McGlynn (6/10):
Wasn't as lively as he was against New Zealand, but replaced Mihailovic early in the second half and was composed.
Taylor Booth (6/10):
Replaced Yow, but was not as lively. Impactful with possession, still.
Duncan Mcguire (6/10):
Replaced Aaronson and closed out the match. Little to no service centrally, once again.
Marko Mitrovic (8/10):
Fantastic first half and his changes in the XI paid off. Yow was brilliant and Aaronson centrally helped lead to both goals. A perfect result for the young manager.
