Overview
- Pochettino said Christian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson missed Thursday’s training and will be assessed on matchday, with Alejandro Zendejas considered unlikely to feature.
- The friendly kicks off Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET at Q2 Stadium in Austin, the first of two October tests before Australia on Tuesday.
- The coach continues to refine an unsettled lineup, using these games to evaluate tactics such as a back-three and to narrow open position battles.
- Matt Freese and Matt Turner are vying for the No. 1 goalkeeper role, with increased emphasis on building continuity with the back line.
- Ecuador arrives as a high-caliber opponent after finishing second in CONMEBOL qualifying, though Moisés Caicedo is out for this window.