USA 1-1 Ecuador Game Analysis, USMNT shows signs of progress in World Cup prep with 1-1 draw against Ecuador
USA 1-1 Ecuador (Oct 10, 2025) Game Analysis, USMNT shows signs of progress in World Cup prep with 1-1 draw against Ecuador
Folarin Balogun’s second-half goal earned the United States a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in a thrilling match at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Friday night.
Christian Pulisic, whose status was uncertain due to an ankle injury sustained in training this week, was included as a substitute, while Antonee Robinson, whose availability was also questionable, was left out of the squad.
The United States entered Friday’s match after losing 2-0 to South Korea and then defeating Japan by the same score in their two friendlies played in September. Ecuador, who finished second in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, was without several star players, including Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Balogun said, “It’s good to keep the momentum going. I’m disappointed not to win, but I think we were the better team and we have many positives to take into the next match.”
The Americans started well in the first 20 minutes, but Ecuador fell behind when Enner Valencia received a through ball on a counter-attack and fired a low shot past Matthew Freese. This shot gave Ecuador the lead at halftime.
The United States continued to dominate the second half, and when Balogun, who had been dominant throughout the match, headed in a cross from Malik Tillman, the score remained 1-1.
This was Balogun’s second goal in as many games for the United States and his seventh in 20 appearances for the national team.
Midfielder Weston McKennie said, “I thought we dominated. I hope we maintain our confidence. I hope we take advantage of the excitement from this match, play forward, move the ball, stay patient, and always try to be dangerous.”
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino made several changes in the second half, including subbing in Pulisic in the 73rd minute, but the U.S. team failed to score.
Max Arfsten on the left and Timothy Weah on the right started as wing-backs in a 3-4-3 formation. Five days after his birthday, defender Tim Ream became the third non-goalkeeper to play for the U.S. at age 38 or older. He was preceded by Ed Murphy in 1969, Gordon Bradley in 1973, and Preki Radosavljevic in 2001. Ream was joined in the backline by Chris Richards and Miles Robinson.
The U.S. will play another friendly against Australia on October 14 and will regroup for two more exhibition matches against Paraguay and Uruguay in November.
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