AUSTIN, Texas – The march to the World Cup continues for the U.S. men’s national team, which still has friendly matches lined up before next summer’s 48-nation soccer spectacle. One of these included a significant test against World Cup-bound Ecuador on Friday.
Folarin Balogun, who has been in impressive form, scored for the second consecutive game, having also found the net in a September victory against Japan.
The match served as a decent result for the U.S. team, which faced a formidable foe in Ecuador, a team that had finished second in South America’s World Cup qualifying behind Argentina. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged the challenge ahead.
Ecuador arrived with a rock-solid defense, having conceded only five goals in 18 qualifying matches and just once in the last ten games prior to this friendly.
The Americans faced an uphill struggle to score, which became steeper when Ecuador’s 35-year-old forward Enner Valencia slotted a goal in the 24th minute. The veteran forward outmaneuvered U.S. defender Chris Richards and found the back of the net, putting his team ahead 1-0.
The U.S. continued to fight against a low-block defense, with nine Ecuadorian players often behind the ball. However, the home side worked diligently and eventually found a breakthrough.
Balogun’s goal was a product of teamwork, illustrating the U.S. side’s persistence. Malik Tillman created a turnover by pressing an Ecuadorian defender. Tim Weah then connected with Tanner Tessmann, who passed the ball back to Tillman for the assist to Balogun, who was poised for the finish.
Christian Pulisic and Antonee “Jedi” Robinson were two notable absences for the U.S. Pochettino had stated that Pulisic was the team’s most crucial player. However, following ankle swelling after training, Pulisic was rested and started the match on the bench.
Though he came on during the second half, his absence was felt against a tough Ecuador side. Robinson also missed the match, having not yet returned to full fitness following knee surgery over the summer.
Despite missing some key players, the U.S. still generated opportunities, although many were only half-chances before they equalized. Ecuador also had its own challenges, with several top players absent, including Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo.
Weston McKennie’s return to the USMNT brought hope for the team, as he missed the summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. Pochettino had left him off the September roster, making his return against Ecuador significant. Since March’s Nations League final losses, McKennie had not taken the field for the national team.
His performance was notable; he played aggressively in midfield and contributed effectively to U.S. attacks. He even came close to scoring, with one attempt being expertly saved by Ecuador’s goalkeeper, Hernan Galindez.
McKennie’s strong performance is a positive sign for the U.S. as they progress toward the World Cup.
Looking ahead, the U.S. will face Australia on Tuesday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. Australia has already secured its spot in the World Cup, like Ecuador. The matchup promises to be another tough test for the U.S. as they near the deadline for submitting their World Cup roster.
With only five games left before Pochettino names his 26-man squad, the coming encounter will be crucial for assessing player readiness and building team cohesion ahead of the global tournament.
In summary, the U.S. men’s national team’s journey toward the World Cup is challenged by injuries and tough opposition, but with players like Balogun and McKennie stepping up, there is hope for success in the upcoming friendlies and the larger tournament ahead.
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