USMNT vs. Ecuador score: USA soccer earn draw against World Cup dark horses in positive display

The Americans clawed back and got a draw as Folarin Balogun scored in the second half

Facing a World Cup dark horse in Ecuador on Friday in Austin, the United States men's national team were able to play to a 1-1 draw. Both teams were missing stars as Christian Pulisic wasn't fit to start due to an ankle issue, while Ecuador were without Moises Caicedo, but it was still a balanced affair. Enner Valencia took advantage of a defensive error by the USMNT to score the opening goal in the first half but striker Folarin Balogun was there late to bring the USMNT level. These are the kind of performances that will help the United States get out of the group stage at the World Cup, as it's important to perform when you aren't at your best and get results against better teams.

Even Mauricio Pochettino shifted the tactics a bit after starting the match with the team in a back three, opening it up and moving to a back four late when it was clear that they could dominate possession. It shows that the Argentine is finding the pulse of this team at just the right time despite not securing a win, with positive to takes from a match like this, which will help provide building blocks toward the World Cup.

Next up, the USMNT will host Australia on Tuesday at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo., to close out this international break.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 8:38 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Ecuador's unbeaten streak continues, but the United States played like the stronger team for large portions of the night. It's a moment to build from before facing Australia next week, especially with key players like Balogun and Tillman being involved to level things for the USMNT. Mistakes were there in the match, but it's about how you respond to those, and the USMNT fought back, which bodes well.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 10:26 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Christian Pulisic is on, which shows that Pochettino sees a chance at a win, but time is also running out in the match.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 10:18 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The NYCFC man hasn't had much to do since coming on, but he was able to make a key save on Leonardo Campana's chance. Campana is already looking lively after being subbed into the match, as we're in for quite a finish in Austin.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 10:04 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Diego Luna is entering the fray along with Alex Freeman. In a match that needs a spark, these two will be a good bet to provide it. Weston McKennie and Miles Robinson are the players who will depart, bringing this back to a natural back four for the final 25 minutes.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 9:52 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The USMNT have picked up the second half right where they left off in the first half, but it hasn't been something that they've been able to turn into a goal with the second half getting in full swing.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 9:39 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Ecuador may lead, but that was a pretty even half of play. The USMNT created more xG .55 to .35, but that's what happens when a clinical finisher is on your side. Ecuador's defense has had plenty to do, but before long, changes could be coming from the USMNT to push the pace.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 9:09 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Chris Richards has been everywhere, even creating chances on the attacking end, but the USMNT weren't able to turn it into a goal. These sides have now begun trading shots back and forth after Valencia's opening goal, but the USMNT hasn't found an equalizer yet. 15 minutes remain to level it before the half.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 8:58 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Things are getting physical as the USMNT man brought down Pedro Vite, but it stopped Ecuador from advancing the ball. Richards is experienced enough to play the remainder of this match on a yellow card.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 8:48 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Balogun is having an excellent start to the match, creating danger on the dribble. He tested Ecuador's keeper with a shot on target but it was well saved. A good start from the USMNT, though.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 8:43 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

The USMNT back three has been able to cut out Ecuadorian attacks early on, but they're struggling to turn that into attacks in the first five minutes of play. This could be a long night with defenses being very involved.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 8:25 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

We're almost ready for kickoff in Austin for what will be a hard-fought affair.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 8:06 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Antonee Robinson and Alex Zendejas won't be available for tonight's match. Robinson has been working his way back to full fitness, so the staff are carefully monitoring his condition. Zendejas also picked up an injury in training and will miss out. On the pre-match show on TNT, Pochettino also opened up on why Pulisic isn't starting.

He's suffering, from the preseason, a small issue in his ankle. And after training Wednesday, [he] felt that his ankle was a little bit swollen.," Pochettino said. "It's an important game, yes, but it's important not to take risks. Of course, he's going to be on the bench, and we will decide if maybe he can play. If not, it's to be ready for next Tuesday against Australia."

[Oct 10, 2025 at 7:52 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Matt Freese keeps his place in the net while Weston McKennie comes back into the XI as Pochettino mixes things up a little. It seems like the USMNT will perist in a back three, but without Christian Pulisic, pressure will be on the attack.

USMNT starters: Matt Freese, Chris Richards, Miles Robinson, Tim Ream, Max Arfsten, Tannner Tessmann, Aidan Morris, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 7:45 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Mauricio Pochettino mentioned that Christian Pulisic didn't train on Thursday and that will keep him out of the starting XI, with Malik Tillman coming in to start. There will also be another match of a back three as the USMNT will need to break down Ecuador's stout defense. It's a match that will be a World Cup caliber test, facing the South American side, and all eyes will be on Austin to see how the USMNT performs in that challenge.

[Oct 10, 2025 at 7:27 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

• Date: Friday, Oct. 10 | Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Q2 Stadium -- Austin, Texas
• TV: TNT | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
• Odds: USMNT +125; Draw +220; Ecuador +230