Team USA is under new management with Mauricio Pochettino at the helm. Under Gregg Berhalter, the team tended to scuffle vs. inferior opposition, including Panama. How will this first salvo under Pochettino go?
Oct 12, 2024 • 10:24 ET
• 4 min read
A new era begins as the United States take on Panama in an international soccer friendly in Texas.
The USMNT will take the pitch for the first time under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, with USA fans hopeful he’ll do more with the talent pool than former manager Gregg Berhalter. His first opportunity comes against Panama, the team who baited the Yanks into a red card and defeated them 2-1 at Copa America.
Find out where we’ve identified the best betting value in our United States vs Panama predictions and soccer picks for October 12.
USA vs Panama picks and predictions
My best bet:
USA first half moneyline (+102 at TonyBet)
My analysis
The atmosphere in Austin should be electric on Saturday night when the Yanks take the pitch, as fans are excited about Gregg Berhalter’s removal and Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment. And while the Argentine won’t have had long to implement whatever system he’s planning for the build-up to World Cup 2026, he’s certainly hitting the ground running.
American defender Tim Ream stated this week that the USMNT had “the longest training session I’ve had with the national team in 14 years” under Pochettino. Ream went on to say that during the two-hour session, the new manager was “very demanding.”
This is vitally important for a national team that has left many fans frustrated at times over the past few years. The USA has often played to the level of its competition, stepping up for the big-name opponents while lacking intensity against lesser foes.
It has led to the Americans missing a World Cup, being bounced early by inferior opponents in major tournaments, and simply coming out flat in matches before rallying late to get a result.
That won’t be good enough for Pochettino. He’s got two years to decide on a squad for a World Cup on home soil, and these first two matches could be the most important opportunity for many players to get off on the right foot with the new boss.
Injuries to the likes of Timothy Weah and Tyler Adams also create chances for some players to break through. Midfielder Aiden Morris and fullback Marlon Fossey are two players who saw few — if any — opportunities under Berhalter, but have been called into camp and may see action on Saturday.
The players have quickly learned that things aren’t going to be the same with the USMNT. Except for locked-in starters like Christian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson, many spots could be up for grabs.
That means we should see a focused performance from the opening whistle. Expect the Americans to control the match in the first 45 minutes and lead at the break.
USA vs Panama same-game parlay (SGP)
USA 1H moneyline
Christian Pulisic anytime goal
USA to win by 2+ goals
Pulisic is in stellar form, scoring goals consistently for AC Milan. Pochettino has a track record of putting his best attacking players in good positions to score, and I expect the winger to find the back of the net.
The USA will be locked in, and the crowd will be at their backs. I don’t see the Yanks having any dropoff when subs come in, as everyone involved will want to stake their claim to a spot in the lineup against Mexico. They’ll keep their foot on the gas and win by multiple goals.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
USA vs Panama odds
USA
Panama
-197
Moneyline
+500
+309
Draw
+309
Over 2.5 (-121)
Total
Under 2.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of TonyBet.
USA vs Panama side and Over/Under analysis
The USA are favored heavily on the 3-way moneyline, priced at -213 to win. The draw pays out +320, while a Panamanian upset win has a price of +540.
Panama defeated the USA 2-1 at Copa America while enjoying a man advantage for nearly 70 minutes, but the Americans were in control prior and even took the lead momentarily while down a man. Panama has won their last two matches on American soil against the Yanks, with one coming via penalties.
The total of 2.5 sees the Over favored at -125, while the Under has odds of -107.
While three of the last five meetings have seen 3+ goals scored, the other two have featured just one goal combined.
USA vs Panama game info
Location:
Q2 Stadium, Austin, TX
Date:
Saturday, 10-12-2024
Time:
9:00 p.m. ET
TV:
TNT
Weather:
Mid-80s, no rain.
USA vs Panama key injuries
USA: Timothy Weah F (Out), Tyler Adams M (Out), Folarin Balogun F (Out).
Panama: None.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Publish date : 2024-10-12 04:00:00
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