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Vlatko Andonovski's side were greeted at the
airport by fans waving welcome signs before proceeding to their
hotel in Auckland's CBD.
It is the second time the U.S. have visited New Zealand in six
months, having held a training camp in the country in January
when they beat the World Cup co-hosts in two matches series in
Wellington and Auckland.
"For us, preparation for the World Cup started a while ago,"
Andonovski told reporters at the airport. "We were here in
January, and started our work with the community then.
"We almost feel like now, like (we're) home again,"
"Like I said in January, we want to become New Zealand's second
favorite team."
The U.S. will be based in Auckland during the tournament, which
is being co-hosted by Australia, and play all their Group E
matches in New Zealand.
The four-times champions begin their campaign against Vietnam at
Eden Park on July 22 before taking on Netherlands and Portugal.
The Americans beat Wales 2-0 in San Jose, California on Sunday
in their final warm-up before the tournament.
Megan Rapinoe, who won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards at
the 2019 World Cup in France, did not play against the Welsh and
announced last week she will retire at the end of the National
Women's Soccer League season.
Andonovski, however, said the 38-year-old forward will be a key
part of the U.S. campaign in Australia and New Zealand.
"She’s a true pro, she knows what she needs to do to win these
big tournaments," he said.
"So having her here with the young ones like Sophia (Smith),
Trinity (Rodman) and Alyssa (Thompson) will be very important."
The World Cup runs from July 20 to Aug. 20.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
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