Pulisic in Career-Best Form Spearheads USMNT's Predicted XI Against Ecuador
The United States men's national soccer team returns to competitive play as they begin the second-to-last international break of 2025, facing Ecuador at Q2 Stadium, home of Austin FC, before preparing for an encounter with Australia.
In their match against Ecuador, the USMNT will confront the runners-up from South American World Cup qualification and the world's 24th-ranked nation, offering Mauricio Pochettino's squad a formidable challenge.
Although Pochettino's inaugural season with the USMNT produced some disappointing results, the Argentine coach may have discovered renewed hope through his tactical shift to a 3-4-3 system, which delivered a 2–0 victory over Japan.
It would be simple to deploy the Stars and Stripes in their traditional 4-3-3 setup, but that approach has failed to produce results, presenting Pochettino with a crucial tactical choice for Friday's encounter.
Here's how the USMNT's starting eleven might appear against Ecuador.
USMNT Predicted Starting XI vs. Ecuador (3-4-3)
GK: Matt Freese—The New York City FC shot-stopper has served as the primary No. 1 throughout 2025 for the USMNT, facing no serious competition in recent months, despite Matt Turner's return to MLS with the New England Revolution.
CB: Tim Ream—The Charlotte FC veteran moves to the right center-back position, enabling him to connect with Alex Freeman down the right flank.
CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers—While Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Tristan Blackmon featured against Japan in the three-man defense, his absence from the October squad opens the door for Celtic FC regular Carter-Vickers to return.
CB: Chris Richards—The Crystal Palace defender has emerged as the USMNT's top defensive performer in 2025 and stands as arguably the team's most crucial defensive asset.
RWB: Alex Freeman—Following a breakthrough campaign with both the USMNT and Orlando City SC, Alex Freeman appears as secure in Pochettino's starting lineup as any player.
CM: Malik Tillman—The standout creative force for the USMNT during the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, Tillman has faced some difficulties adjusting to Bundesliga play with Bayer Leverkusen, but should maintain his starting role with the national team.
CM: Weston McKennie—The Juventus midfielder has shown inconsistent form in Serie A but will seek to establish himself as a reliable starter with the American team following limited playing time under Pochettino.
LWB: Antonee Robinson—The player nicknamed "Jedi" rejoins the USMNT for the first time since March, with the Fulham defender potentially filling the position that Columbus Crew midfielder Max Arfsten has been occupying.
RW: Alejandro Zendejas—Following his goal against Japan, Zendejas won over USMNT supporters and, with five goals and three assists across 12 appearances for Club América in Liga MX, merits another starting opportunity.
ST: Folarin Balogun—Having recorded a goal and an assist in five Ligue 1 matches with AS Monaco, Balogun remains Pochettino's premier striking option.
LW: Christian Pulisic—Currently topping the Serie A Golden Boot standings with four goals and two assists for AC Milan, Christian Pulisic enters this USMNT gathering in the finest form of his career.
