After losing to Canada on home soil for the first time since 1957, the United States men’s national team is in need of a bounce back performance hosting New Zealand in a friendly in Cincinnati. While this isn’t as bad as the pre-Copa America 5-1 loss to Colombia there are plenty of similarities. The USMNT who showed up in the second half are the team who needs to show up in the first half of play.
Interim head coach Mikey Varas took the blame for tactical issues against Canada but also challenged his players who need to show more on the pitch. The USMNT may be in limbo while awaiting the announcement of a new head coach, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t take these games seriously because it could impact their chances to make the team in the future.
Here’s our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
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How to watch and odds
- Date: Tuesday, Sep. 10 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: TQL Stadium — Cincinnati, Ohio
- TV: TNT | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: United States -325; Draw +360; New Zealand +800
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Storylines
USMNT: There could be heavy rotation for this match with players like Luca De La Torre and Aidan Morris starting after impressive substitute cameos, but Varas is in a tough place. Even if the USMNT defeats New Zealand, unless it’s a comprehensive victory, it won’t help erase the sting of losing to Canada. One player who should retain their starting role is keeper Patrick Schulte. It would’ve been a much heavier loss if not for the Columbus Crew man, and considering the uncertain playing time for Matt Turner and poor form for Ethan Horvath, he deserves a shot at the starting role.
New Zealand: It will only be the fourth time that the Kiwis have faced the USMNT. Most recently, their youth players squared off against the U.S. U-23s at the Paris Olympics losing 4-1, but most players who were in that squad won’t be taking on the USMNT this time. New Zealand’s defense of Minnesota United’s Michael Boxall, Portland Timbers’ Finn Surman, and Charlotte FC’s Bill Tuilmoa will be familiar with some players in the side due to plying their trade in Major Leauge Soccer, but this match will still be tough sledding for the Kiwis.
Prediction
The USMNT will bounce back with a victory against the Kiwis which is a step in the right direction for a long journey. Pick: USMNT 3, New Zealand 0
