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Balogun Equalizer Earns USMNT 1-1 Draw With Ecuador in Austin

Pochettino called the second-half display a step forward in a window focused on roster evaluation before Australia.

Overview

  • Folarin Balogun leveled in the 71st minute off a sequence sparked by Tim Weah, with Tanner Tessmann feeding Malik Tillman for the assist after Enner Valencia’s first-half opener.
  • The strike was Balogun’s second in as many games and his seventh for the U.S., ending Ecuador’s 520-minute shutout run as La Tri extended their unbeaten streak to 12.
  • The U.S. again used a back-three look, increased pressure after halftime, and drew praise from Mauricio Pochettino for a “brave” approach in an aggressive, testy friendly.
  • Christian Pulisic, managing a sore ankle, came on late; Antonee Robinson did not dress, and Alejandro Zendejas left camp with a minor knee issue, affecting selection decisions.
  • Attention turns to Tuesday’s friendly against Australia in Commerce City, with November home tests versus Paraguay and Uruguay next as World Cup roster choices tighten.