Home / Sports / USMNT Battles to 1-1 Draw Against Talented Ecuador in Pre-World Cup Clash
USMNT Battles to 1-1 Draw Against Talented Ecuador in Pre-World Cup Clash
11 Oct
Summary
- U.S. dominates possession and creates more chances against Ecuador
- Folarin Balogun scores late equalizer for the U.S.
- Mauricio Pochettino pleased with team's performance and progress
On October 6, 2025, the U.S. men's national team (USMNT) faced off against Ecuador in a pre-World Cup friendly match in Austin, Texas. Despite going down 1-0 in the first half, the U.S. team put in a strong performance, dominating possession and creating more chances than their opponents.
The game's opening goal came in the 24th minute, when Ecuadorian striker Enner Valencia scored a well-taken counter-attacking goal. However, the U.S. responded well, with striker Folarin Balogun, who had been the Americans' most effective player on the night, scoring the equalizer in the 72nd minute.
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino was pleased with his team's display, stating that they had "dominated the game." The U.S. created numerous opportunities, with Balogun, Weston McKennie, and Aidan Morris all coming close to scoring. Goalkeeper Hernán Galindez also made several important saves to keep Ecuador in the game.
The 1-1 draw against a talented and stingy Ecuador side, who had finished second in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, was a positive result for the USMNT as they continue their preparations for next summer's World Cup. Pochettino and his players will take confidence from the performance and look to build on it in their next match against Australia on October 10.
