The Americans look cohesive and should handle business with ease against Costa Rica on Wednesday night.
Jan 21, 2025 • 08:23 ET
• 4 min read
Photo By – Imagn Images.
The United States looks to have a perfect January camp when they host Costa Rica on Wednesday night in an international friendly at Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium.
The Americans dispatched Venezuela 3-1, with three players each getting their first national team goals. Now they face a Costa Rican side playing for the first time since being eliminated from the CONCACAF Nations League by Panama back in November — and with a new manager at the helm.
I explain why we’re backing the Yanks to come out on top in our United States vs Costa Rica predictions and soccer picks for Wednesday, January 22.
USA vs Costa Rica picks and predictions
My best bet:
United States moneyline (-182 at TonyBet)
My analysis
The Americans were more than impressive over the weekend as Mauricio Pochettino’s side defeated Venezuela, and were unfortunate to not lead after just three minutes. Striker Patrick Agyemang drew a penalty in the second minute, but Matko Miljevic’s attempt was a poor one and easily saved.
But it didn’t deter the Yanks. Agyemang would get his first senior goal in the 39th minute, less than two minutes after Jack McGlynn opened the scoring with a stunning effort, as they took a 2-0 lead into the break. Miljevic would find the back of the net in the 64th minute, while Venezuela would find a consolation goal a few minutes later.
The most impressive aspect of the performance was how cohesive the unit looked. The fact that many of these players have familiarity with each other from coming through the youth levels was quite evident, and Miles Robinson’s veteran leadership at the back shone through.
The Americans didn’t concede a single big chance, completed more than twice as many passes as the Venezuelans, and put 10 shots on target while allowing just three. It was a promising performance and one I expect to be repeated against Costa Rica.
Miguel Herrera takes over the Costa Rican team missing most of his first-team squad, and the players he does have primarily play in the nation’s top domestic league. And while that’s not to say they are devoid of talent, the gap in quality is immense.
They’re also adapting to a new manager and new system, with 10 players in the squad who have never featured for the national team. There’s also a lack of goal-scoring at this level, with only one player who has scored multiple goals for the national team.
Orlando has been a wonderful home to the USMNT, as they’ve won all six of their matches played there. They’ve also conceded just two goals in those outings while scoring more than 20. The Americans have had great success against Costa Rica on home soil, winning four consecutive matches with only one goal conceded in that span.
While it’s much juicier than I like to give out, we’re backing the Americans to win on the moneyline. They’re the better side in terms of talent, are thriving under Pochettino’s leadership, and will continue their dominance in the Sunshine State.
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USA vs Costa Rica odds
USA vs Costa Rica live odds
USA
Costa Rica
-182
Moneyline
+459
+295
Draw
+295
Odds courtesy of TonyBet.
USA vs Costa Rica side and Over/Under analysis
The United States are -182 on the 3-way line, with a draw priced at +295 and Costa Rica getting +459 to pull the upset.
Costa Rica have been outscored 9-1 in their last four matches against the Americans inside the United States.
USA vs Costa Rica game info
Location:
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
Date:
Wednesday, 1-22-2025
Time:
7:00 p.m. ET
TV:
TNT
Weather:
49 degrees, 0% chance of rain, 10-17 mph winds
USA vs Costa Rica key injuries
USA: Jesus Ferreira F (Out), Jalen Neal D (Out), John Tolkin D (Out).
Costa Rica: None.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Publish date : 2025-01-20 23:23:00
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