USA vs. Ecuador Betting Preview and Pick
By: Phil Kitromilides
Goal.com
After two friendlies against Bolivia and Brazil in Florida and New York last month, Ecuador return stateside to face the United States in Connecticut on Friday (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).
While the Ecuadorian population on the east coast is significant, a rampantly patriotic home crowd is expected as the USMNT aim to build upon their promising showing at this summer's World Cup, so there should be plenty of atmosphere for this international friendly.
While Ecuador failed to progress from their group in Brazil, Jurgen Klinsmann's men made the last 16 and were desperately close to the quarterfinals. Their performance galvanized the country and brought soccer to the fore in the country.
The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook prices Ecuador at +310 to spring a surprise and collect a win on their travels, with the draw available at +250 at the same shop. Shrewd gamblers, though, should seriously consider the -110 odds for an American victory, despite some changes being expected in the USA's ranks.
Ecuador can also be backed as a half-goal underdog with a spread-bet at -110 odds. The posted total at the SuperBook is 2.5 goals (OVER +115, UNDER -135).
The USA have a fine record at home, with Belgium the last side to beat them on American soil back in May 2013, a curious footballing quirk being that it was the Belgians who knocked them out of the World Cup just over a year later.
Since that loss 17 months ago, the side have matured and boast a squad with plenty of players plying their trade at the highest level of European football.
Despite Klinsmann's side missing some of the big names such as Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey, they still have plenty of quality including Landon Donovan, who makes his return to the national side before retiring from the sport at the end of the MLS season.
The LA Galaxy forward, who will make his 157th and final appearance for the national side in this game, his first since missing out on a place in the World Cup squad, is offered in goal-scoring props posted outside of Las Vegas. Donovan is 5-to-1 to score first, and his odds are +175 to find the net at any time during Saturday’s game.
Though backing the returning Donovan may be a sentimental bet for some, the fact remains that away from the blistering altitude of Quito, Ecuador are a less-imposing prospect, and backing a victory for the USA at -110 could be an intelligent way for bettors to nearly double their money.
Goal.com best bet: United States to win at -110