The New Zealand under-20 women's football team lost 2-0 to the United States in Los Angeles. A goal in each half from Sydney Leroux and Courtney Verloo eventually settled the match for the reigning world champions, but New Zealand coach Tony Readings was encouraged by much of what he saw.

"We're not happy with the result at all because I believe we are good enough team to get something out this game but the upside is that I know there is a lot more to come from our team and we still managed to defend pretty well for most of the game and create chances against a very good side," Readings said.

New Zealand play the US against at the same venue on Sunday, with the brief series being used to help prepare them for the World Cup in Germany in July.