AUSTIN, Texas Mauricio Pochettinos tenure preparing the U.S. men’s national soccer team for the 2026 World Cup has hardly been a smooth process.
Both opportunities to hoist a trophy failed and some of the performances have been downright concerning. On Friday, though, despite star forward Christian Pulisic sitting out until late in the game with an ailing ankle, the Americans seemed to turn a corner.
They did not beat Ecuador. No, the friendly at Q2 Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw. But the U.S. team displayed ideas and execution, created numerous scoring opportunities against a stalwart defense and came from behind in the second half.
Folarin Balogun scored the equalizer in the 71st minute after Enner Valencia had put Ecuador ahead midway through the first half.
Balogun was the beneficiary of Malik Tillmans high pressure that forced a giveaway. Tim Weah linked with Tanner Tessmann, who pushed the ball wide to Tillman. Tillmans low cross met Balogun crashing the 6-yard box for a onetouch finish off the inside of the near post.
The Americans will now pack their bags for Denver, where on Tuesday they will face another Cup-bound team, Australia. After that, all that remains before World Cup roster selection in May are home meetings against Paraguay and Uruguay next month and two home matches in March.
Weighing physical readiness and Tuesdays demands, Pochettino selected seven of his usual starters: goalkeeper Matt Freese, defenders Chris Richards and Tim Ream, wing backs Weah and Max Arfsten, midfielders Tillman and forward Balogun.
In their first call-ups since the Nations League finals in March, Weston McKennie and Tessmann were in the midfield. So was Aidan Morris, who last played for Pochettino almost a year ago. Defender Miles Robinson started for the first time since a June friendly against Türkiye.
Back with the team for the first time in 11 months, World Cup veteran Antonee Robinson was not in uniform after apparently suffering an ailment this week. Forward Alex Zendejas was also scratched with an undisclosed injury.
Those absences added to an inactive list that included right back Sergiño Dest and midfielder Tyler Adams, who were not available for roster selection last week.
Headed to its second consecutive World Cup and fifth overall, Ecuador arrived on the heels of a fabulous qualifying campaign. Only Argentina earned more points in the South American competition, and on the final day last month, Ecuador defeated the reigning champions to finish with an 8-2-8 record and just five goals conceded.
[Yahoo Sports TV is here! Watch live shows and highlights 24/7]
During a 5-0-6 streak to close the qualifying stage, the Ecuadorians recorded 10 shutouts. To say the least, it was a tall order for a U.S. attack that doesnt exactly strike fear into opponents.
Like fellow Argentine Pochettino, Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece needed to strike a balance with player decisions because of a second match Tuesday. Ecuador will visit Mexico for a friendly in Guadalajara.
Fridays lineup included AC Milan left back Pervis Estupiñán, Paris Saint-Germain center back Willian Pacho and forward Valencia, the programs all-time leading scorer. Seven of Ecuadors starters were in the lineup against Argentina.
The first half was lively and entertaining as both sides created opportunities and the match opened up steadily. Tillman and Balogun worked a fine combination in the midfield, culminating with the latter testing goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez with an angled threat.
The U.S. defense began to bend against Ecuadors open-field menace. Richards collected a yellow card in thwarting a rush.
Balogun remained engaged, hooking a top-of-the-box effort narrowly past the far upper corner.
In the 24th minute, Ecuador broke through on a sequence that began with impressive interaction by the United States in midfield. Once they disrupted it, the visitors pounced.
Jordy Alcívar threaded the ball ahead to Valencia, who, with a burst of speed, cut inside on Richards and accelerated into the clear on the right side. With Freese protecting the near post, Valencia smashed a low shot with cool precision into the far corner for his 48th international goal.
Undeterred, the Americans continued to manufacture high-quality chances only to watch Galíndez make two sensational saves. First, off a U.S. corner kick, he flashed to his left to push Richards one-timer off the post.
Then, on Arfstens twice-deflected driven ball, the 38-year-old keeper soared to his left to prevent an own goal.
With no progress early in the second half, Pochettino made his first changes in the 63rd minute by inserting Diego Luna and Alex Freeman two inexperienced players who made the most of their opportunities this year.
The tempo rose. Luna and Weah threatened. Then came the goal. Pulisic entered in the 73rd minute. Freese made an outstanding catch on a cross that couldve resulted in a go-ahead goal.
The U.S. energy and opportunity remained intact into stoppage time. Another goal failed to materialize, but the night was otherwise a success for Pochettinos crew.