The US national team showed encouraging signs of improvement despite another frustrating result, drawing 1-1 with Ecuador in Austin, Texas. The Americans dominated much of the game, controlling possession and creating several scoring opportunities, but were unable to fully capitalize until Folarin Balogun equalized in the 71st minute. Ecuador opened the scoring in the first half after a rare US defensive lapse. Veteran striker Enner Valencia, appearing in his 101st match for his country, took advantage of space and a precise pass to fire past US goalkeeper Matt Freese. The goal highlighted a momentary lapse from both the US defenders and midfield, who were caught too far forward as Ecuador’s Jordy Alcivar orchestrated the attack. The US, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, lined up in a three-man backline of Tim Ream, Chris Richards, and Miles Robinson, supported by aggressive wingbacks. Midfielders Tanner Tessmann and Aidan Morris returned to the squad after long absences and formed a double-pivot that helped control the game despite Ecuador’s early pressing. Tim Weah, playing at right wingback, balanced the attack with overlapping runs alongside Max Arfsten, allowing the US to advance the ball into threatening positions multiple times. While the US had 66% possession throughout the match, early chances went largely unconverted. One example came in the 31st minute when Morris advanced down the right flank with several teammates in the box, but indecision and a mistimed pass limited the scoring opportunity. Despite this, defensive organization prevented Ecuador from doubling their lead, with key interventions, including a critical Miles Robinson tackle, stopping a dangerous 3-on-1 counterattack. The US equalizer ended a 520-minute shutout streak for Ecuador, reflecting the strength of their defensive setup in recent World Cup qualifiers. The goal was set up by Tessmann, who picked up a loose ball near the top of the box and found Malik Tillman. Tillman’s cutback reached Balogun, who finished with precision after the ball bounced off the post. It was Balogun’s second consecutive goal for the national team, signaling his growing confidence in the starting striker role. Substitute Christian Pulisic contributed to several promising plays, despite being held out of the starting lineup as a precaution after a minor knock in training. His involvement, along with the team’s general improvement, showcased the US’s ability to challenge top-level opponents, even if the final score did not reflect the performance on the field. Pochettino has repeatedly emphasized that results in 2025 are secondary to preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Friday’s match confirmed that while the US still faces finishing challenges, the tactical shape, defensive discipline, and attacking creativity are advancing. The three-man backline with wingback support appears to provide stability, while Tessmann and Morris’s presence in midfield offers a balance of control and forward momentum. Despite the draw, the match offered numerous positives for US fans. Defensive efforts disrupted Ecuador’s counterattacks multiple times, and the team’s ability to dominate possession indicated growing cohesion and confidence. The attacking unit, led by Balogun and supported by Tillman and Weah, demonstrated that the US can create meaningful chances against disciplined defensive teams. The 1-1 draw, while not a perfect result, leaves the US national team in a stronger position psychologically. Fans can take optimism from the team’s improved organization, effective transitions, and ability to respond under pressure. The performance suggests that, as the World Cup approaches, the US is steadily becoming more competitive against some of the world’s strongest teams. Balogun’s goal and the overall improvement in performance show that the US team is moving in the right direction. While results still lag behind expectations, the team’s development provides hope that when the 2026 World Cup arrives, their performances will finally translate into the wins fans are hoping for.