Before the U.S. men’s soccer team even played their first match, coaches from other nations mocked them, saying their roster and style of play could not hold up in international competition.
This morning, Nigeria defeated the U.S. men’s squad 2-1, knocking them out of the Olympics. With this win, and the Netherlands’ victory over Japan, so ends preliminary play. To the dismay of the U.S. men’s team, who played so well in their first two matches, a favored Netherlands and an underrated Nigeria will see their teams advance to the quarterfinals.
Things went sour early for the United States when defender Michael Orozco earned himself a red-card in the third minute, elbowing Solomon Okoronkwo with a referee standing nearby. For the remaining 87 minutes, the United States was short one player. This put the U.S. at a major disadvantage, especially considering the absence of Freddy Adu and Michael Bradley because of yellow-cards they received in previous games.
Nigeria struck first with a goal by Promise Isaac in the 38th minute. Victor Obinna then added another for his team late in the second half. The United States did put one in the net, scoring on a penalty kick with two minutes left in the game. It was for naught, however, and Nigeria secured the victory.
Orozco’s bone-headed decision to throw a nasty elbow in front of an official probably cost them the game. Referees are instructed to keep Olympic soccer matches as civil as possible and Orozco’s move was anything but.
