USA – New Zealand Prediction, USA – New Zealand Pick
| USA Odds | -175 |
| New Zealand Odds | +475 |
| Draw | +290 |
| Over / Under | 2.5 -138 / +107 |
The United States men's Olympic soccer team looks to get its tournament on track when it faces New Zealand in both teams' second group game on Saturday.
The USA conceded all the goals of its 3-0 loss to France after the 60th minute on Wednesday, sabotaging what was a promising performance for the first hour in their first match at the Olympics since 2008.
New Zealand earned a 2-1 victory over Guinea despite missing an early penalty, with Matthew Garbett avenging his own miss in the 25th minute and Ben Waine scoring a 75th-minute winner.
The Americans would be eliminated from contention for the knockout phase if they lose and France defeats Guinea in the other Matchday 2 contest in Group A.
Below you can find my USA vs. New Zealand pick and prediction.
USA Picks
The U.S. was on the defensive for most of its opening contest, but looked relatively in control against the favored France until going behind.
On Alexandre Lacazette's first, goalkeeper Patrick Schulte reacted late on what looked to be a saveable shot attempt. On Loic Bade's third, the center defender was completely unmarked for simple set-piece header.
The Irony for the Americans is their best chances came right as they were losing a grip on the game. Djordje Mihailovic struck the crossbar with his effort from distance when it was still 0-0, Paxten Aaronson's header forced a reaction save from close range shortly after Lacazette's strike, and John Tolkin also struck the post before Michael Olise made it 2-0 to France.
Griffin Yow had an apparent late consolation goal for the U.S. wiped out for being offside.
New Zealand Picks
While New Zealand's men's program has appeared in only World Cup, the Olympics are more familiar territory for the All-Whites after reaching three of the last four men's tournaments.
They've now earned wins in their opening matches in back-back tournaments following their triumph over Guinea on Wednesday. And there's some familiarity within the squad from the club level, where five members of the roster play together for the Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand's lone club in Australia's A League.
Goalkeeper Alex Paulsen showed why he's one of the nation's top prospects, making eight stops against Guinea. He recently made the move from Wellington to Bournemouth of the English Premier League.
But his involvement also perhaps showed a vulnerability, with New Zealand out shot 17-9 overall and 8-5 in terms of efforts on target against the African foes.
USA – New Zealand
Prediction
The Americans were far better than the final score showed in their opening defeat to France, and New Zealand was flattered by its 2-1 win over Guinea. Unfortunately, oddsmakers' are wise to that and have installed the Americans as a significant favorite here.
And I do believe there is something to be said for New Zealand's experience on this stage to make up for a gap in roster quality, even though most of the players are new because the men's tournament is mostly a U-23 affair.
So while the U.S. is right to be favored here, the value is again on a draw in my view. Having not been particularly impressed with either team's rearguard during Matchday 1, I'm parlaying that draw with a total over 1.5 goals at +420 odds and an implied 19.5% probability.
