USMNT Rallies for 1-1 Draw Against Ecuador with Folarin Balogun’s Equalizer
The United States men’s national team (USMNT) battled back from a first-half deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against Ecuador in a highly anticipated friendly match at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Friday night. Folarin Balogun scored his second goal in as many games for the USMNT, redirecting Malik Tillman’s cross off the post and into the net to level the score at 1-1.
The match got off to a promising start for the Americans, with the USMNT dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities in the opening 20 minutes. However, it was Ecuador who struck first, courtesy of a well-executed counter-attack that saw Enner Valencia collect a through ball and fire a low shot past Matthew Freese, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
The USMNT continued to push for an equalizer in the second half, and their efforts were eventually rewarded when Balogun redirected Tillman’s cross into the net to level the score at 1-1. The goal was Balogun’s seventh in 20 appearances for the national team, and it marked a significant moment in the match.
“We were the better side, and there were a lot of positives to take into the next game,” Balogun said in a post-match interview. “Disappointed to not get the win, but it’s good to build momentum.”
Midfielder Weston McKennie echoed Balogun’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s dominance in possession and their ability to create scoring opportunities. “I felt like we dominated,” McKennie said. “I hope we take confidence from this game, playing forward, rotating the ball, having patience with the ball, and just always trying to be dangerous.”
Despite the draw, the USMNT will be pleased with their performance against a resilient Ecuador side that was missing several star players, including Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo. The Americans will look to build on this momentum when they take on Australia in another friendly on October 14.
The match saw several notable debuts and milestones for the USMNT. Defender Tim Ream, who turned 38 just five days ago, became the third non-goalkeeper to play for the USMNT at 38 or older, after Ed Murphy in 1969 and Gordon Bradley in 1973. Ream was joined in the starting lineup by Chris Richards and Miles Robinson, who formed a solid defensive trio.
The USMNT’s next challenge comes in the form of Australia, who will provide a tough test for the Americans. The two teams will face off on October 14, with the match marking another opportunity for the USMNT to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming international fixtures.
Match Details:
- Date: October 10, 2025
- Venue: Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas
- Attendance: Not disclosed
- Score: USMNT 1, Ecuador 1
- Goal scorers: Folarin Balogun (USMNT), Enner Valencia (Ecuador)
USMNT Starting Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Matthew Freese
- Defenders: Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Miles Robinson
- Midfielders: Weston McKennie, Giovanni Reyna, Malik Tillman
- Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Timothy Weah, Max Arfsten
Substitutions:
- Christian Pulisic (on for Giovanni Reyna, 73 minutes)
- Other substitutions not disclosed
The USMNT’s next fixtures are:
- October 14: Friendly match against Australia
- November: Friendly matches against Paraguay and Uruguay
With a busy schedule ahead, the USMNT will look to build on the positives from this match and continue to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming international fixtures.
FAQs
- What was the score of the USMNT vs Ecuador match?
The USMNT and Ecuador drew 1-1. - Who scored for the USMNT?
Folarin Balogun scored the equalizing goal for the USMNT. - Who scored for Ecuador?
Enner Valencia scored the opening goal for Ecuador. - When is the USMNT’s next match?
The USMNT’s next match is against Australia on October 14. - Who made a notable milestone in the match?
Tim Ream became the third non-goalkeeper to play for the USMNT at 38 or older.
Conclusion
The USMNT’s 1-1 draw against Ecuador was a promising display, with Folarin Balogun’s equalizer highlighting the team’s fighting spirit. Despite falling behind, the USMNT showed resilience and determination, bounced back to level the score. With a busy schedule ahead, the team will look to build on this momentum and continue to fine-tune their preparations for upcoming international fixtures. The match served as a valuable test for the team, and coach Mauricio Pochettino will be encouraged by the performance.
