The USMNT fought back from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in a friendly match in Austin, Texas.
Folarin Balogun scored a goal in the 71st minute, bringing the hosts back to a draw after coach Mauricio Pochettino’s team fell behind to an Ener Valencia goal.
Christian Pulisic, who was doubtful for the United States due to an ankle injury sustained in training earlier in the week, was named among the substitutes and came on in the final quarter-hour of the match at Q2 Stadium. Meanwhile, Ecuadorian star Moises Caicedo, Chelsea’s player, missed the match.
Balogun’s goal was his second in as many international matches, having scored in the USA’s 2-0 win over Japan in September. Despite falling behind in the game, the United States largely outplayed its opponents, who finished second in World Cup qualifying in South America, ahead of both Brazil and Uruguay and behind only Argentina.
Pochettino suffered a turbulent first year as coach of the national team. Their results were mixed, with notable defeats in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals against Panama, and in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Mexico.
There will be high expectations on the former Tottenham and Chelsea coach to put in a strong showing on home soil at next summer’s World Cup, for which the United States has automatically qualified as co-host.
But Pochettino insists he is happy with the first 12 months of his term.
“Here we talk about actions, concepts, formations, things like that,” Pochettino said.
“After one year, I’m very happy that we’re no longer talking about other things like commitment and behavior — things like this that we used to talk about in the past. I think this is a huge step forward.”
“I think we controlled the game in all aspects.
“The performance was very serious and very professional. I think we need to improve in some details, but this is the way we want to compete.”
The USA’s next game is when they take on Australia on Wednesday (2:00am UK time) at DSG Park in Colorado.
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