The U.S. men’s national team needed a second-half comeback to level CONMEBOL opponents Ecuador on Friday night in Austin, Texas.
Folarin Balogun’s second-half equalizer helped Mauricio Pochettino’s side fight back and draw Ecuador to a 1-1 draw at the Q2 Stadium. Enner Valencia’s first-half finish put La Tri ahead before half-time, but an improved performance from the hosts led to a shared result for both teams.
The USMNT had its first positive attacking look in the eighth minute when Balogun tested Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.
Ecuador’s talisman Valencia broke the deadlock in the 24th minute to score his 48th international goal. John Yeboah played upfield against Valencia with a pass before the Pachuca striker slotted past Chris Richards and scored.
Richards almost made amends two minutes after the restart, diverting Malik Tillman’s cross into the bottom right corner. Galindez, however, dived to his left and pushed Richards’ shot off the post.
In a fiery second half, the USMNT began to pile on the pressure, eventually leading to the equalizer. Tanner Tessmann’s through ball to Tillman in the Ecuadorian penalty area led to Tillman hitting Balogun in stride for a one-time finish from the right post.
It was Balogun’s seventh international goal and his second consecutive goalscoring performance.
Christian Pulisic, Haji Wright and Cristian Roldan all entered the match with the USMNT fighting for a winning goal, but Ecuador’s stubborn backline held on to hold on for a draw.
The USMNT conclude their two-match October window against Australia on Tuesday.
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