After falling to a 5-0 defeat to Japan on Thursday, the New Zealand side stepped on their performance 48 hours later against the tournament hosts.
Having conceded three goals in the opening 20 minutes against Japan, the New Zealand side started much better on Saturday, enjoying more possession and creating several chances to score before the home side took a 21st minute lead.
The hosts scored the only other goal of the game mid-way through the second half.
New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkova was pleased with the development of the side in a short space of time against another top level opponent.
“We were much calmer at the start of the game,” Klimkova said, “we stayed strong, controlled possession better and created a few chances.
“The game showed that the players had learned from the first match, they knew more about what to expect and we’re pleased with not just the improved score but also the performance.
“The United States played far more direct and played penetrating passes and we were able to read it and we dealt with them much better than Japan; who were far more unpredictable in their movements.”
The improved showing came without Martine Puketapu with the forward ruled out through illness while Whitney Hepburn picked up an ankle injury during the game.
The Young Football Ferns – who head to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in March – finish the tournament with Monday’s clash with China – who recorded a 0-0 draw with Japan in the first game on Saturday.
Monday’s game kicks off at 10am (NZ time).
NTC Invitational Tournament – Carson, Los Angeles
New Zealand 0
United States 2
Halftime: 0-1
New Zealand: Emma Fulbrook (GK), Sophie Stewart Hobbs, Hope Gilchrist, Elizabeth Anton, Hanna English, Whitney Hepburn, Daisy Cleverley, Deven Jackson, Paige Satchell, Tayla Christensen, Jade Parris
Substitutes: Emily Hanrahan (GK), Emily Oosterhof, Geena Gross, Isabella Richardss, Karin Ingram, Lucy Stotter, Sarah Morton, Isabella Coombes

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