Over the last 12 months, the United States have not had quality results in international play. The Stars and Stripes are 4-2-5 over that stretch, and that has supporters of the USMNT worried headed into the Gold Cup in two weeks. On Sunday, they will play their final tune-up prior to the competition when they take on Venezuela. This will be Venezuela’s last game before Copa America kicks off next week, and they are looking to round into form.
Don't miss this international friendly from Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 9, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
International Soccer Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
United States -123
Venezuela +326
Draw +266
Odds Analysis
The good news for the USMNT heading into this match is that they have yet to lose to Venezuela. The USMNT are 3-2-0 against La Vinotinto since they first met in 1993, and that has the Americans optimistic that they will be able to finish their tune-up off right. However, it’s not all roses for the US. After shutting out Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador to start the calendar year, they were forced to settle for a draw against Chile in Houston and they lost 1-0 to Jamaica in Washington DC on Wednesday night. That was the USMNT’s first game at Audi Field, and this will be their first game at Nippert Stadium.
Venezuela have had a few encouraging results over the last 12 months. Their 3-1 win over Argentina in Madrid back in March was their best victory by a longshot. Salomon Rondon and Josef Martinez both netted for La Vinotinto, and the back line was able to hold Lionel Messi and company in check. A win over Panama back in September is nice, as well as playing Japan to a draw on the other side of the world. However, losses to non-recognized teams like the Basque Country and Catalonia stings, and they were thumped 3-1 by Mexico on Wednesday night.
Venezuela Player to Watch
Josef Martinez is a name that many American soccer fans know. Martinez set the MLS on fire on his way to winning the Golden Boot and setting the single-season record for goals. His performance helped catapult the Five Stripes to an MLS Cup victory in their second season, and he is looking to create some magic with his national team.
Martinez started this domestic season off slowly, but he has played great over the last few weeks. He has 10 goals in 48 career appearances for the national team, and he is likely to be a threat on Sunday.
United States Player to Watch
The USMNT are in a full-blown youth movement, so it’s time for those younger players to shine. With that in mind, most eyes will be on wunderkind Christian Pulisic. He is just 20 years old, but he has the third-most goals of any player on the roster, and he will be tasked with a lot of the playmaking responsibilities. This summer is Pulisic’s opportunity to really step forward.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Venezuela are a more offensive-minded team than the US. Martinez and Salomon Rondon are both solid options up front, and Jhon Murillo is someone that can distribute the ball to them in optimal positions.
The Stars and Stripes will lean heavily on their only two veterans, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley, and the two have a lot of chemistry from playing on the same club team.
We have seen the USMNT play rather conservatively since Gregg Berhalter took over as manager, but I believe he will open things up to see what he has in the final tune-up before the Gold Cup. Take the over.
English Premier League Odds: USA 2, Venezuela 2
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