The U.S. Men’s Olympic squad had its chances against tournament hosts France in Wednesday’s group stage opener, but a pair of long-range efforts condemned the Americans to defeat.
Alexandre Lacazette and Michael Olise scored eight minutes apart in the second half before Loic Bade added a third goal, leading Les Bleus to a 3-0 opening night victory. Guillaume Restes was kept busy by the USMNT, but made a trio of key saves to register the clean sheet.
After a goal-less first half, things started opening up for both teams. Djordje Mihailovic’s long-range effort rattled the crossbar in the 59th minute.
Lacazette delivered the breakthrough goal for Thierry Henry’s men only one minute later, giving France a 1-0 lead. Olise set up the veteran forward, who beat Patrick Schulte into the bottom-left corner.
Paxten Aaronson’s point-blank header off the ensuing restart was denied by Restes before left back John Tolkin hit the left post with a header attempt of his own.
Olise doubled France’s lead in the 69th minute, curling a left-footed shot into the far corner of Schulte’s net. The Bayern Munich summer signing made no mistake, adding to his productive performance.
France added an insurance goal five minutes from time as Joris Chotard’s corner kick was powered home by Bade. Miles Robinson was covering Bade on the set piece, but fell down in the box, allowing Bade to find the back of the net.
The Americans will aim for a bounce-back performance and result on Saturday against New Zealand.
