The USMNT fought back after falling from a goal behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Ecuador in a friendly match in Austin, Texas.
Folarin Balogun scored in the 71st minute to put the hosts back on level terms after Mauricio Pochettino’s side fell behind to an Enner Valencia goal.
Christian Pulisic, who was doubtful for the United States due to an ankle injury suffered during training earlier in the week, was named among the substitutes and came on for the final quarter of an hour of the match at the Q2 Stadium. Meanwhile, Ecuador’s star man, Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, missed the match.
Balogun’s goal was his second in as many international matches, having scored in the United States’ 2-0 win over Japan in September. And, despite falling behind in the match, the United States largely dominated their opponents, who finished second in qualifying for the South American World Cup, ahead of Brazil and Uruguay and behind Argentina.
Pochettino has had an eventful first year as head coach of the national team. Their results have been mixed, with notable defeats in the Concacaf Nations League semi-final against Panama and the Concacaf Gold Cup final against Mexico.
Much will be expected of the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager to put in a strong performance at home at next summer’s World Cup, for which the United States have automatically qualified as co-hosts.
But Pochettino insists he is happy with the first 12 months of his term.
“We are talking here about actions, concepts, formations – things like that,” Pochettino said.
“After a year, I’m so happy that we’re not talking about other things like commitment, attitude – things like that we talked about in the past [about]. I think it’s a huge step forward.
“I think we dominated the game in every aspect.
“The performance was very, very serious, very professional. I think we need to improve in some details, but this is how we want to compete.”
The USA are next in action when they take on Australia on Wednesday (2am UK time) at DSG Park in Colorado.
