USA Men’s Soccer routes New Zealand 4 -1 to win first game of Olympics

After an opening loss against heavily favored France, the United States of America faced New Zealand on Saturday afternoon in what was a must win in order to keep pace with the group. 

Team USA set the tone shooting early and frequently against New Zealand totaling 17 total for the game.  Midfielder Gianluca Busio converted the first goal in the 37th minute, followed by goals from Paxten Aaronson, Walker Zimmerman, and a converted penalty kick from Djordje Mihailovic to extend USA's lead to four goals. 

New Zealand did wipe the clean slate from the USA when Jesse Randall scored.  USA winning 4 to 1 now brings their goal difference to 0, which means a victory against Guinea and a tie or win from France against New Zealand can assure USA will advance from the group, as long as the Americans can at least gain a point since they would hold the tiebreaker with New Zealand.