USMNT's 'brave' second half sealed Ecuador draw, Pochettino says - ESPN

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the spirit of his roster that earned a comeback 1-1 draw against Ecuador in an aggressive friendly on Friday that included a 71st minute equalizer from Folarin Balogun.

«We were so brave in trying to go forward, try to find the space,» said Pochettino post-game about the second half efforts as the U.S. upped its tempo at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. «Ecuador is a very physical team. Chasing people at the same time, with the possibility and the calm to play, I think we were capable to find the gaps and challenge [them].

»I think we improved in the second half. I think we dominate the game in all the aspects."

Down 1-0 after Ecuador's Enner Valencia scored in the 24th minute, the Americans responded by maintaining attacking momentum and high possession in a combative matchup against the South Americans that have not lost a game since September of 2024.

Following a scoreless first half, Pochettino and his roster increased their intensity after halftime and eventually got a goal from Balogun from an assist by Malik Tillman.

«So happy. Always a striker needs to feel the net, and his work ethic is amazing in the way that he always is available in every single aspect of the game, with and without ball,» said Pochettino about the AS Monaco striker. «I am so pleased about his performance.»

Balogun's performance, among other standouts, is welcome news for Pochettino, who may not be able to count on others in the final friendly of October's international break against Australia on Tuesday. In the case of Alejandro Zendejas, who didn't dress for the Ecuador game, the Club America player will be heading back to Mexico City after suffering an injury issue in training.

«Zendejas, bad