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Jacob Schneider

Paxten Aaronson the focal point: Five keys to USMNT beating Morocco in Olympic quarterfinals

The U.S. U23 men qualified for Olympic quarterfinals for the first time since 2000, and here's how they can make history

The U.S. U23 Men's national team will be in rare territory when they face Morocco in Friday's quarterfinal match in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

This is the first time in 24 years the U.S. will be playing in the knockout stages of the Games. It's a significant development for a men's program that has only advanced out of the group stages once (in 2000) since the Olympic soccer became an Under-23 tournament in the 1992 Summer Games.

Should the Americans advance, they would book a trip to the medal rounds, which would be monumental for Marko Mitrovic and his squad -- the U.S. men have never earned a medal in soccer in the modern Olympic era.

The U.S. have the opportunity to turn the tide when they kick things off against Morocco at 9 a.m. ET Friday.

  • Aaronson sildillia USMNT France OlympicsGetty

    Paxten Aaronson needs to be the focal point

    Paxten Aaronson has to be the frontrunner for Player of the Tournament for this U.S. squad, right? The 20-year-old's stats don't jump off the page, as he's only totaled one goal and one assist in the U.S.'s first three matches, but he has been their most influential attacker during that span.

    The former Union standout excelled as a center forward against Guinea in the U.S.'s group stage final as he was able to effectively and seamlessly connect with No. 10 Djordje Mihailovic and the team's wingers in Griffin Yow and Kevin Paredes. He warrants another look at that position against Morocco. If he does, he will be the key to everything in the opposition box.

    He's in strong form and has the trust of his teammates up top. It's pivotal to keep him there to keep the attack rolling.

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  • John Tolkin USMNT Olympics 2024Getty Images

    Mitrovic keeps faith in Tolkin

    It's safe to say that Mitrovic sees John Tolkin as his starting left back at this point. Going into the tournament, many thought it would be Caleb Wiley, but the New York Red Bulls star has gotten the nod in three straight matches. He faces his biggest test yet in Morocco's versatile Achraf Hakimi.

    The Paris Saint-Germain star, one of the AFCON side's overage players, is widely-considered the best right back in the world. Incredibly pacey, Hakimi is wicked on and off the ball, and is known to be a force in the final third, too.

    Hakimi gets into the attack frequently, despite playing as a defender himself. As a result, Tolkin will be among those tasked with marking the 26-year-old star, and it will be crucial to keep him quiet as the U.S. search for a result.

  • Gianluca Busio Manu Kone France USMNT OlympicsGetty

    Be cautious with Gianluca Busio

    If healthy, Gianluca Busio has to start. His talent makes him one of the first names on the team sheet. Yet, questions remain about his recovery and the U.S. need to be mindful of how they use the Venezia midfielder. If not, there could be longer-term consequences.

    Busio was one of the few standouts for the U.S. in the opening-match loss to France and he built off of that performance with an impressive goal against New Zealand in the next game. Unfortunately, though, he was removed from that contest with a non-contact injury. He's since revealed it's the same hamstring injury that bothered him towards the end of his 2024 club season.

    Busio is a player who could potentially make a case for the senior national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. His club team was recently promoted to Serie A and he is primed for a potentially breakout campaign. For Busio's long-term health, the U.S. need to be cautious in how they utilize the 22-year-old. U.S. Soccer can look to their experience with Tyler Adams earlier in the Copa America as an example of how things can go awry if not handled in the right manner.

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  • Griffin Yow USMNT 2024Getty Images

    More playing time for Yow

    The Westerlo winger was brilliant in his first start of the tournament, creating two big changes against Guinea. Moreover, Griffin Yow was an imposing menace for the opposition -- winning 75 percent of 12 ground duels. In addition, he competed three of four dribbles and 100 percent of his tackles defensively.

    Yow's first start came down to Aaronson being shifted into center forward, and he responded. It is unclear if he will start Friday, but it is something Mitrovic should strongly consider. The U.S. appeared to have a clearer idea of how to attack and form interplay in the final third.

    If he finds himself in the mix again, there's a good chance to see a lot of buildup through him on the left side of the pitch - especially as he tries to keep Hakimi on his toes.

  • USMNT 2024 Paris OlympicsGetty Images

    Go for gold

    At some point, the U.S. have to look at this opportunity and think, "Hey, we can actually do something here."

    The road to the gold medal is more straightforward than other contenders in the final eight teams.

    If they advance, the U.S. would face the winner of Spain-Japan and avoid the likes of Argentina, France and Paraguay -- widely viewed as the title contenders in this tournament. Both Spain and Japan have shown flaws in the group stages and it is within reason that the U.S. could beat those teams on a potential road to the gold medal game. The U.S. have a real opportunity here.

    They can put the history of the program behind them and truly become the generation that changed everything for the future. Strive for glory, and don't look back.

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