Resilient U.S. Battles Back to Earn 1–1 Draw Against Ecuador in Austin

Area Sports Network HQ
Oct 11
3 min read

By Cristina Burgos

The United States Men’s National Team showcased grit, composure, and determination in their opening fixture of the October international window, fighting back from an early deficit to secure a 1–1 draw against a high-flying Ecuador side at a sold-out Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. It was a spirited display that extended the Mauricio Pochettino era’s theme of resilience and progress as the U.S. continued preparations for next summer’s major tournaments.

Ecuador Arrives in Form, U.S. Tests Its Depth

Ecuador entered the contest as one of South America’s hottest teams, unbeaten in 11 consecutive outings and fresh off a strong World Cup qualifying campaign that saw them finish second in CONMEBOL. Their form presented a stern challenge for Pochettino’s evolving U.S. group — a side still building chemistry and fitness, with several players making long-awaited returns.

Weston McKennie and Tanner Tessmann appeared in midfield for the first time since March’s Concacaf Nations League, while Malik Tillman and Aidan Morris both earned starts after extended absences. Pochettino’s lineup featured a back four of Miles Robinson and Chris Richards at center, captain Tim Ream and Max Arfsten on the flanks, and Matt Freese between the posts. Folarin Balogun led the attack, supported by Tim Weah and Tillman on the wings.

Early Pressure, But Ecuador Strike First

From the opening whistle, the U.S. set the tempo, pressing high and trying to stretch Ecuador’s compact shape. Balogun was heavily involved early, using his strength to shield defenders and create shooting opportunities. In the eighth minute, he combined sharply with Tillman before forcing a low save from Hernán Galíndez. Fourteen minutes later, Balogun nearly broke the deadlock with a curling right-footed effort that skimmed inches wide.

But against the run of play, Ecuador showed their trademark ruthlessness in transition. In the 24th minute, John Yeboah initiated a blistering counterattack and slipped a precise ball to Enner Valencia. The veteran striker, Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer, made no mistake — striking across goal with his right foot to beat Freese and give La Tri a 1–0 lead.

U.S. Responds With Character

The goal energized the Americans rather than deflating them. Minutes later, Richards came agonizingly close to equalizing, rattling the post with a thunderous shot from a Tillman corner. McKennie kept the pressure alive, and Arfsten’s driven cross forced another acrobatic stop from Galíndez. As halftime approached, the U.S. kept Ecuador pinned back — Balogun’s clever layoff to Morris inside the box nearly produced a deflected equalizer, only to drift narrowly wide.

Second-Half Persistence Pays Off

After the break, Pochettino introduced fresh legs — Diego Luna and Alex Freeman entered on 63 minutes, adding energy on both ends of the field. Luna immediately tested the keeper from distance, but Galíndez held firm. The Americans continued to dictate possession, maintaining width and forcing Ecuador into deep defensive blocks.

Their breakthrough finally came in the 71st minute, the product of relentless pressing and teamwork. The U.S. capitalized on an Ecuador miscue from a goal kick, with Tillman and Tessmann linking up to recover the ball. Tillman threaded a low cross into the six-yard box, where Balogun calmly slotted home from close range — his second goal in as many matches — to level the score at 1–1.

Moments later, Pochettino called on Christian Pulisic, Cristian Roldan, and Mark McKenzie to push for a winner. Pulisic’s energy immediately lifted the tempo, but despite several half-chances and three crucial saves from Freese to deny late Ecuador counters, the match ended all square.

A Positive Step Forward

Though victory eluded them, the U.S. left Austin with plenty of positives. Balogun’s sharp form, Tillman’s creativity, and the composure of the returning midfielders underscored the team’s growing depth. Pochettino’s side once again demonstrated mental strength, showing they can recover from adversity against elite opposition.

The draw also marked a symbolic moment — almost a year to the day since Pochettino’s first match in charge, also at Q2 Stadium, a 2–0 win over Panama. On a night celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and attended by American legend Landon Donovan, the U.S. put in a performance that blended youthful ambition with experienced poise.

Next up, the Americans travel to Commerce City, Colorado, where they’ll face World Cup-bound Australia on October 14 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park — their first appearance there since 2017.

Scoring Summary

ECU – Enner Valencia (John Yeboah), 24th minute: A swift counterattack saw Yeboah feed Valencia, who split the defense and finished clinically across goal. USA 0, ECU 1.
USA – Folarin Balogun (Malik Tillman), 71st minute: Tillman’s pressing created a turnover and a low cross into the box that Balogun converted from close range. USA 1, ECU 1 (Final).