USWNT vs. New Zealand prediction, odds, line: Expert reveals SheBelieves Cup picks, best bets for Feb. 20

The U.S. Women’s National Team will be trying to improve Sunday when it faces New Zealand in a 2022 SheBelieves Cup group-stage match. Team USA dominated but had a disappointing opener to the tournament at the L.A. Galaxy’s stadium at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. The U.S. controlled the game and peppered the net in Thursday’s match with the Czech Republic but never broke through and settled for a 0-0 draw. The United States squad features several new players, and the average age of the players is 26 as it transitions from stars like Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan. Still, it is expected to remain a top contender in international competitions.

The USWNT is a -2000 favorite in the latest USA vs. New Zealand soccer odds, while Football Ferns are a +2400 underdog and a draw is priced at +650. Before you bet the USWNT vs. New Zealand match or make any 2022 SheBelieves Cup predictions, you need to see what renowned soccer bettor Jon Eimer has to say.

Eimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining SportsLine, Eimer has covered the English Premier League, Serie A, the FA Cup and much more. The Indiana-based handicapper compiled a winning record of 260-133-1 with more than 90 units of profit for his community on various platforms over a recent two-month stretch.

Now, Eimer has taken a close look at USA vs. New Zealand and has come up with a confident pick. He has identified several factors as to why this wager will cash. You can visit SportsLine now to see his USWNT vs. New Zealand SheBelieves Cup pick. 

• USWNT vs. New Zealand spread: USA -2.5
• USWNT vs. New Zealand over-under: 3.5 goals
• USWNT vs. New Zealand money line: USA -2000, New Zealand +2400, Draw +650
• United States: It has outscored its foes 32-7 in 11 games since the last meeting.
• New Zealand: It has been outscored 22-4 in nine games since the start of 2021.

Why you should back the USWNT

The Americans are still the world’s top-ranked team, and even though the players are younger, they are still immensely talented. They held the ball for 65 percent of Thursday’s opener and outshot the Czechs 18-8, putting six shots on target to just one for their opponent. Trinity Rodman, 19, played 30 minutes in her international debut and had two scoring chances. Mallory Pugh, 23, is the seasoned veteran up top and has 18 goals in 58 caps.

Pugh and Sophia Smith, 22, flanked 21-year-old Catarina Macario up top in Thursday’s match. The USWNT also has a fair bit of experience, with Lynn Williams, Rose Lavelle and Morgan Gautrat all boasting at least 45 international matches. In the back, Kelley O’Hara has 149 caps and Becky Sauerbrunn has 200. But 23-year-olds Tierna Davidson and Emily Fox, as well as Alana Cook, 24, are seeing plenty of playing time. New Zealand lost its opener 1-0 to Iceland.

Why you should back New Zealand

The Football Ferns are the 22nd-ranked team in the world, and while they have won just once since the start of 2021, they have generally been competitive. New Zealand is a co-host of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, along with Australia. While it is an automatic qualifier, it will want a strong showing, and that work starts now. The Ferns have won the Oceanic Confederation championship six times and are seeking to avenge a 6-1 loss to the USA at the Olympics.

New Zealand has scored at least once in five of its nine games since the start of 2021, and it beat South Korea 2-0 in a friendly in its last match before this tournament. It controlled the ball for 56 percent of Thursday’s loss. It had just seven shots, but two were on target, while Iceland put just three on net. The squad has tons of experience, especially in the back, where goalie Erin Nayler (75 caps) is protected by a back line featuring Ali Riley (141) and Abby Erceg (145).

How to make SheBelieves Cup and USWNT vs. New Zealand picks

Eimer has broken down Sunday’s New Zealand vs. USWNT match from all sides, and he is leaning Under the goal total. He also has another confident play and has predicted the final score, and he’s only sharing those picks here.

So, who wins Sunday’s USWNT vs. New Zealand matchup? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for the New Zealand vs. USWNT SheBelieves Cup matchup match, all from the soccer expert who has his finger on the pulse of the game all over the world.