Pochettino's USMNT Dominates Ecuador in Manager's Most Impressive Display Yet

The United States men's national soccer team secured a 1–1 tie with Ecuador at Q2 Stadium in Austin, though the final scoreline doesn't fully reflect their impressive overall display.

The USMNT appeared well-organized and motivated to demonstrate their capabilities. After falling behind early to an Enner Valencia strike, the Americans maintained composure, handled Ecuador's aggressive pressing, and displayed coherent tactical patterns throughout.

Additionally, they showed genuine passion for representing their country—something supporters have been demanding under the current manager. Folarin Balogun delivered an outstanding performance, netting the leveling goal in the second period as the international friendly concluded in a stalemate.

While there's still scope for enhancement, this display was precisely what the squad required following their September outings. A comparable performance against Australia would significantly help rebuild confidence and faith that this group can genuinely compete come 2026.

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USMNT Player Ratings vs. Ecuador (3-4-3)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob

GK: Matt Freese—6.7: Apart from being beaten by Valencia's opening strike, Freese faced minimal pressure throughout the evening. Should he maintain his steady and dependable form, he's positioned to be the number one keeper for the World Cup.

CB: Miles Robinson—6.6: Received a caution late in the opening period and was the first center-back withdrawn. A respectable display, though the USMNT elevated their performance when Alex Freeman entered the match.

CB: Chris Richards—7.5: Richards is virtually guaranteed a starting role at the World Cup. The Crystal Palace defender will be eager for a shutout in the next fixture.

CB: Tim Ream (c)—7.0: The 38-year-old Charlotte FC center-back led the team while winning five of six individual battles. He also maintained a 92% pass completion rate.

RM: Tim Weah—7.2: Weah registered the most successful dribbles in the contest. While both his attempts missed the target, it was an overall solid outing for the Marseille loanee.

CM: Tanner Tessmann—6.6: Tessmann showed flashes of brilliance and improved as the match progressed. He contributed significantly to the equalizing score.

CM: Aidan Morris—6.9: Morris claimed the most duels (8) and drew the most fouls in the midfield battle. Pochettino may consider dropping McKennie deeper if Pulisic is available to start and the formation stays unchanged.

LM: Max Arfsten—7.1: Among the standout performers for the USMNT on the evening. Constantly involved down the left wing, only missing that final touch of quality to create a scoring opportunity.

LW: Malik Tillman—8.0: The top-rated USMNT performer, Tillman operated in a modified role within the 3-4-3 system. He and McKennie were granted freedom to move and switch positions across the attacking line. He provided the assist for Balogun's second-half strike.

ST: Folarin Balogun—7.6: Battled relentlessly throughout the evening in a challenging position, holding up play in isolation. His persistence was rewarded with the second-half equalizer, establishing himself as the likely starting striker if the World Cup began tomorrow.

RW: Weston McKennie—6.6: Appearing across various areas of the field, McKennie was deployed higher up the pitch with the tactical adjustment in his return to international duty. A steady performance from the Juventus player who should feature again versus Australia.

Subs not used: Chris Brady (GK), Matt Turner (GK), Patrick Schulte (GK), Cameron Carter-Vickers, Brenden Aaronson, James Sands, Patrick Agyemang

Ecuador (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Hernán Galíndez (GK); Alan Franco, Joel Ordóñez, Willian Pacho, Pervis Estupiñán (Yaimar Medina); Jordy Alcivar (Denil Castillo), Pedro Vite; Ángelo Preciado, John Yeboah (Kevin Rodríguez) Kendry Páez (Nilson Angulo); Enner Valencia (Leonardo Campana)

Subs not used: Gonzalo Valle (GK), Moisés Ramírez (GK), Cristian Ramírez, Félix Torres, Jhoanner Chávez, Alan Minda, Darwin Guagua, Patrik Mercado, Bryan Ramírez, John Mercado

Player of the Match: Malik Tillman (USMNT)

USMNT 1–1 Ecuador—How it Unfolded at Q2 Stadium

Pochettino maintained the three-defender system after their victory over Japan in September. Without Pulisic in the starting lineup, McKennie and Tillman were granted freedom to operate throughout the attacking zones.

Ecuador initiated with high pressure, attempting to unsettle Richards, Ream and Robinson. Jordy Alcivar nearly opened the scoring from a set piece, but his attempt drifted narrowly wide of the target.

During the opening 10 minutes, the USMNT successfully weathered significant pressure and established their presence in the match. Balogun was clearly the most influential American player early on. However, Ecuador broke the deadlock through Enner Valencia.

The experienced striker was found by John Yeboah and used his pace to get past Richards. Valencia drove a low shot beyond the diving Matt Freese. The USMNT defender nearly responded immediately from a corner kick, but goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez made an excellent save with his left hand. Some fortune as the ball hit the woodwork, but a crucial stop to preserve Ecuador's advantage.

Ecuador was compelled to substitute left-back Pervis Estupiñán due to injury. Tim Weah came close to equalizing following a quick exchange with Tillman, but his effort was blocked and narrowly missed the far corner. Overall, an encouraging first half for the USMNT despite trailing. There were clear tactical patterns, obvious intentions and determination displayed.

The USMNT started the second period in similar fashion with Arfsten, Tillman and Balogun combining early. Several promising moments in the attacking third, but they continued searching for an equalizer. Just past the hour mark, Pochettino made substitutions bringing on Diego Luna and Alex Freeman.

Both additions provided energy as Luna registered a shot on goal five minutes after entering. The USMNT's persistence finally bore fruit when Balogun scored the goal he had worked toward all evening in the 71st minute. Weah intercepted a misplaced pass and found Tessmann, who then located Tillman in the penalty area before one final pass to the striker for the finish.

Pochettino then added even more energy to the squad by introducing Pulisic, who had been managing an ankle problem during preparation. Wright, leading the EFL Championship in scoring entering camp, replaced Balogun with 10 minutes remaining.

The match concluded 1–1, but the USMNT will be satisfied with their performance.

USMNT vs. Ecuador Halftime Stats

USMNT vs. Ecuador Full Time Stats