USA-Panama betting preview: 'Pulisic to score will be be most-bet prop'

With a successful Copa América debut under its belt, the U.S. men’s national team is gearing up for match No. 2, against Panama. And once again, Team USA is a notable favorite in the betting market.

That’s not a surprise to BetMGM trading manager and soccer aficionado Seamus Magee.

"The Americans took care of business against a poor Bolivia side," Magee said of Sunday’s 2-0 victory. "I thought they played a good brand of soccer and were unlucky not to score more. The real litmus test will be when they play Uruguay. That’s when we’ll learn about this team."

But that match isn’t until Monday, as Panama is the next order of business for the USA. Magee provided his betting insights for this 6 p.m. ET Thursday match on FOX and the FOX Sports app.

Stretching Out

After Team USA’s Sunday shutout of Bolivia, BetMGM opened the three-way moneyline market at USA -225/Panama +600/Draw +333.

The American side stretched out to -310 at one point, and the three-way odds are now at USA -275/Panama +700/Draw +400. 

As of Wednesday night, betting on this match is mimicking that of Sunday’s U.S.-Bolivia tilt.

"I anticipate a similar handle to the Bolivia game. Handle wasn’t as big as you’d think for that match," Magee said. "While the Panama match is important, it’s a game that most are expecting the U.S. to win with ease."

That said, as was the case Sunday against Bolivia, Magee expects USA tickets and money to pick up throughout the day Thursday, leading into the match at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Other Ways To Play

A significant portion of Thursday’s action won’t be on the three-way moneyline. The public betting masses often aren’t keen on laying -275, meaning it takes a $275 bet to win $100 ($375 total payout). So the masses