In the last tune-up for the United States Women’s National Team before heading to Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Olympics and the Stars and Stripes are looking to get a big sendoff. The USWNT has yet to lose a match this calendar year and has looked sharp in defeating other tournament teams. The American ladies have knocked off Colombia, Japan, and South Africa and now face Costa Rica before taking the plane to Brazil.
Women’s Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
United States -5000
Costa Rica +2000
Draw +700
Over/Under 4
ODDS ANALYSIS
The US are heavy favorites to take care of business against Costa Rica and that should be a given at this point. The US ladies have outscored opponents 21-3 this calendar year and the three goals allowed all came against fellow powerhouse Japan. Since Women’s Soccer became a sport in the Olympics in 1996, the US has dominated CONCACAF and shouldn’t have much trouble against Costa Rica.
KEY PLAYERS
Alex Morgan is one of the stars of the US team and is a lock to be one of the starting strikers for Jill Ellis’ side. Morgan has shined for the national team in the past, but hasn’t put up the numbers she usually does for her NWSL club this season. She has just two goals in 10 games and while that’s respectable, it doesn’t show what Morgan is really capable of. Morgan has played four matches with the USWNT this year and has been great in international play, notching four goals and an assist in those games, including three goals in two games against Japan.
Costa Rica will have Dinnia Diaz in net and her performance will be the most crucial part about whether or not the Ticas get a result from this friendly. Diaz was solid in net for Costa Rica during the Women’s World Cup last year and almost was able to lead the team out of the group stage. She was peppered with shots throughout the tournament, allowing 55 shots and 24 shots in goals, but only allowed four to get past her.
LIVE BETTING
Costa Rica is likely to defend most of the match and the question is whether or not the USWNT takes the match seriously or not. If coach Jill Ellis plays her starters, the USWNT could run wild and name the score. However, this could also be a more subdued affair with the side just wanting to avoid injury and get a win before heading off to Brazil.
QUICK PICK
Anything other than a win for the USWNT would be a shock here. The US women have won four of the five Olympic Gold Medals handed out in Women’s Soccer to date and have won three in a row. The Stars and Stripes are also looking like the best team in the world once again and although Costa Rica is a quality side in CONCACAF, the Ticas just don’t have the skill that’s needed to knock off the US women.
Look for a gaudy stat line from the US women here. Jill Ellis won’t look to run up the score, but there is a clear talent disparity between these two teams. The US has a vibrant domestic league where their women can continue to hone their skills throughout the year, while Costa Rica’s league is very undeveloped. The US women have a knack for winning big at home and a lopsided score line is expected. Hope Solo should keep a clean sheet as the USWNT continually finds the back of the net.
Women’s Soccer Odds: United States 5, Costa Rica 0
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