Folarin Balogun’s late equalizer secured a 1-1 draw for Mauricio Pochettino’s United States men’s national team against World Cup-bound Ecuador at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas on Friday.
The USMNT played arguably the stronger game but found themselves behind after a costly error allowed Enner Valencia to score with a clever finish in the first half.
MORE — USMNT player ratings vs Ecuador
Ecuador posed a formidable challenge, although the absence of Moises Caicedo worked in the Americans’ favor as Malik Tillman, Timothy Weah, and others created numerous threatening opportunities.
Balogun capitalized on a well-executed team play at the near post, contributing to Pochettino’s solid draw following their victory over Japan last month.
The USMNT identifies its ideal front four
Christian Pulisic was unable to start, which meant the USMNT missed the chance to see him combine with Timothy Weah, Malik Tillman, and Folarin Balogun. If those four players aren’t in the starting lineup for the World Cup opener, it’s likely due to injury or Pochettino adapting to a specific opponent. Tillman shone once again in the final third, and Weah was dynamic on his flank. Balogun took full advantage of an opportunity, displaying outstanding strength against PSG’s Willian Pacho and a Man of the Match-worthy goalkeeper. With the competition steep, including Diego Luna, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Haji Wright, and others, it’s tough to envision Balogun not leading an attacking trio of Weah, Pulisic, and Tillman.
What’s next?
The USMNT will next focus on Australia, facing the Socceroos on Tuesday at 9 PM ET at DSG Park in Colorado.
USMNT vs Ecuador live updates, final score: 1-1
Goals: Enner Valencia 24′, Folarin Balogun 71′
USMNT substitutions
Cristian Roldan, Mark McKenzie, and Christian Pulisic entered for Aidan Morris, Tim Ream, and Tim Weah with about 15 minutes remaining.
Folarin Balogun’s equalizer — USMNT 1-1 Ecuador
This goal had been on the horizon.
The Yanks worked the ball effectively from right to left, culminating in an impressive goal.
Weah connected with Tessmann, who set up Tillman in the box.
Tillman cut a pass to the near post, and Balogun had a lot to contend with, facing pressure from PSG star Pacho and goalkeeper Galindez.
Balogun muscled a shot off the post and into the net.
Balogun helps USMNT equalize against Ecuador
Folarin Balogun finishes a pass from Malik Tillman to level the score at 1-1 during the second half of the matchup.
USMNT substitutions
Diego Luna and Alex Freeman came on for Weston McKennie and Miles Robinson.
Malik Tillman penalty appeal
Some excellent teamwork from the USMNT on the left resulted in Malik Tillman being shoulder-checked just outside the 18-yard box, but no penalty was awarded.
Ecuador substitutes at halftime
Union Saint-Gilloise’s Kevin Rodriguez and Anderlecht’s Nilson Angulo were substituted in for Paez and Yeboah.
Halftime — USMNT 0-1 Ecuador
The Americans have performed reasonably well. Ecuador capitalized on their limited chances, demonstrating the impact of a savvy finisher in Enner Valencia, but the Yanks could easily have scored one or two if not for Galindez’s saves and some offside calls.
Possession was heavily in favor of the Yanks at 67%, with shot attempts at 5-4 for the home team. They also gained seven corner kicks while allowing just one.
Standout performances came from Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman, Timothy Weah, and Chris Richards. Aidan Morris had a few bright moments but will not be pleased with his role in the goal conceded.
There’s plenty to discuss moving forward.
Pervis Estupinan injury
The AC Milan player picked up an injury earlier in the match and decided he could not continue into the second half.
Yaimar Medina replaced him.
Kendry Paez yellow card
Chelsea prospect Kendry Paez showcased a flashy turn that fooled Miles Robinson.
Robinson retaliated with a hard tackle, which the referee was ready to penalize with a yellow card in the 41st minute.
Galindez saves a near miss
Max Arfsten made a penetrating run and struck a shot that took two significant deflections but Galindez managed to dive and push it away at the last moment.
Chris Richards hits the post
Richards has been pivotal, with his half-volley through traffic striking the post after a deflection off Galindez.
Enner Valencia’s goal — USMNT 0-1 Ecuador
Aidan Morris attempted to intercept a pass in midfield, leaving John Yeboah with space to operate.
Yeboah then set up Enner Valencia, who Chris Richards forced to an angle by changing direction. However, Valencia finished effectively as Freese was out of position for a proper save.
Valencia puts Ecuador ahead early against USMNT
Enner Valencia finds the angle to give Ecuador a 1-0 lead over the USMNT.
Balogun on the attack
Balogun caught Alciver off guard with a change of pace, sending an ambitious attempt toward the far upper corner that missed narrowly.
The Yanks had a strong response in the second 10 minutes.
0-0, 22′.
USMNT opportunity!
Malik Tillman executed a clever 1-2 pass with Balogun, sending him on a goal-scoring run.
Balogun forced a low diving save from Huracan’s Hernan Galindez, but Ecuador cleared the danger.
0-0, 10′.
USMNT vs Ecuador team news: Pulisic not available
Christian Pulisic is not at full fitness despite recent form with AC Milan, and Antonee Robinson is also on the bench.
Miles Robinson starts in defense alongside Max Arfsten, Chris Richards, and Tim Ream, winning the role over Mark McKenzie and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Ecuador’s lineup includes New England Revolution forward Leonardo Campana starting on the bench.
USMNT lineup
Freese, Arfsten, Richards, M. Robinson, Ream, Tessmann, Morris, Weah, McKennie, Tillman, Balogun
Ecuador lineup
Galindez, Ordonez, Pacho, Franco, Estupinan, Alcivar, Vite, Preciado, Paez, Valencia, Yeboah
USMNT outlook
This squad has significant potential even in the absence of Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest, Yunus Musah, and Ricardo Pepi.
RELATED — Potential USMNT lineup vs Ecuador
Antonee Robinson returns despite having limited minutes at Fulham, while Tanner Tessmann of Lyon steps back into the midfield. Malik Tillman has also been performing well after his move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Christian Pulisic has had a remarkable start in his season with AC Milan, even considering a missed penalty in recent matches. In-form Haji Wright and Timothy Weah are also strong candidates for starting positions.
Ecuador outlook
Without several key players, including Chelsea’s Caicedo, the Yanks will face a slightly less daunting challenge. Other notable absences include Arsenal’s Piere Hincapie, Flamengo’s Gonzalo Plata, Quito’s Carlos Gruezo, and Cremonese’s Jeremy Sarmiento.
Nonetheless, new centurion Enner Valencia is joined by Strasbourg’s Kendry Paez (a Chelsea loanee), PSG’s Willian Pacho, and AC Milan’s Pervis Estupinan in a talented squad.
USMNT vs Ecuador predicted outcome
The absence of Caicedo could be significant, especially with the Americans playing on home soil. I predict a scoreline similar to the memorable Copa America quarterfinal where Jurgen Klinsmann’s USMNT edged Ecuador 2-1 in 2016. USMNT 2-1 Ecuador.