USMNT vs Ecuador
Photography by: Lorena Barros
Under the lights at Q2 Stadium, the U.S. Men’s National Team showed grit, resolve, and a growing identity under Mauricio Pochettino, rallying from behind to draw 1–1 with Ecuador on Friday night.
Facing one of South America’s most in-form sides — unbeaten in 11 matches and fresh off finishing second in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying — the Americans embraced the challenge. Though Ecuador struck first through their talisman Enner Valencia, Folarin Balogun’s second-half equalizer ensured the U.S. left Austin with something to build on.
“Disappointed to not get the win,” Balogun admitted afterward, “but I think we were the better side. There’s a lot of positives to take into the next game.”
The match had all the makings of a test in both patience and mentality. Pochettino fielded a fresh-look lineup with Weston McKennie and Tanner Tessmann returning to the fold for the first time since March, while Aidan Morris and Malik Tillman brought youthful energy into midfield. Captain Tim Ream anchored the back line alongside Chris Richards and Miles Robinson, with Matt Freese earning the start in goal.
The U.S. opened brightly. Balogun nearly put them ahead early, forcing Ecuador keeper Hernán Galíndez into action in the eighth minute and curling another effort inches wide in the 22nd. But in the 24th minute, Ecuador struck in classic La Tri fashion — a ruthless transition move finished by Valencia, who latched onto John Yeboah’s pass and fired low past Freese.
Instead of folding, the U.S. grew stronger. Richards rattled the post from a corner. McKennie kept the pressure alive, and Arfsten nearly created a goal with a driven cross. The Americans entered halftime trailing but clearly in the ascendancy.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 71st minute. After pressing high on an Ecuador goal kick, Tillman recovered the ball, exchanged passes with Tessmann, and drove a low cross into the six-yard box. Balogun, alert and clinical, buried the chance from close range — his second goal in as many matches, and seventh in 20 U.S. appearances.
Christian Pulisic came off the bench minutes later, marking his first action since an ankle injury in training, as the U.S. pushed for a winner. Ecuador, however, held firm — and Freese made several sharp saves to deny them a late counterpunch.
“I felt like we dominated,” McKennie said postgame. “We kept the ball, created chances, and showed character. That’s what we’ll take from this.”
The 1–1 draw extends Pochettino’s promising start as U.S. head coach, nearly a year to the day after his debut win against Panama — also in Austin. His side has now gone toe-to-toe with two World Cup-bound opponents in consecutive months, signaling a growing rhythm ahead of 2026.
