On Wednesday, the United States men’s soccer team cruised to a 3-0 win over Morocco in Cincinnati. It was the first of four June matches for the U.S. serving as tuneups for the World Cup that begins in November.
First-half goals from Brenden Aaronson and Timothy Weah set the U.S. on course to the victory. A penalty goal from Haji Wright in the second half finished the scoring, while goalkeeper Matt Turner made several impressive saves throughout the match.
The resounding victory over another World Cup participant will excite fans about the U.S.’s potential in the winter tournament.
The U.S. opened the scoring in the 26th minute on a goal by Aaronson. A long ball over the top of the Moroccan defense found Christian Pulisic, who controlled the ball with a stellar first touch before cutting back and leaving his two defenders on the floor. Pulisic then slid the ball over to Aaronson, who easily tapped in the goal.
It was the 10th career assist for Pulisic while on the national team, making him the fastest player in U.S. soccer history to reach 20 goals and 10 assists. Pulisic accomplished the feat in just 49 games for the U.S.
The U.S. doubled its lead in the 32nd minute behind a ripping shot from Weah from outside the top of the box. His shot hit the hands of Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, but the power behind the shot was too great, and it deflected into the back of the net. The U.S. took the 2-0 lead into halftime.
Pulisic was again involved in the creation of the third goal by Wright. Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi fouled Pulisic inside the penalty box, and the American team captain handed the ball to Wright, who was making his debut for the U.S. senior team. Wright placed the ball inside the left post out of the reach of Bounou to put the U.S. up 3-0.
Morocco was awarded a penalty shot attempt in the 75th minute after the referee ruled that the U.S.’s Joe Scally fouled Soufiane Rahimi. However, replays showed Scally never touched Rahimi, who fell to the turf clutching his ankle.
Selim Amallah took the penalty kick for Morocco, but it hit directly into the crossbar and popped straight into the air.
The U.S. has gone 24 consecutive home matches without a loss, two shy of the team record. Their last home loss came in September 2019 to Mexico.
Next up for the U.S. is a match against Uruguay on Sunday at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City. That will be followed by a pair of CONCACAF Nations League matches, first against Grenada in Austin on June 10, then a road game against El Salvador four days later.
