USMNT battle back to earn draw against Ecuador | OneFootball

By MLSsoccer staff

The US men's national team battled back from a first-half deficit to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw vs. Ecuador at Austin FC's Q2 Stadium on Friday night.

Following a back-and-forth affair in the early stages, Ecuador opened the scoring after 24 minutes. Veteran forward Enner Valencia raced past Chris Richards on a lightning-quick counterattack before beating New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese at the far post.

The US continued to push for an equalizer in the 37th minute, as a redirected cross looked destined for the top corner, before La Tri goalkeeper Hernán Galindez made a stunning save. Folarin Balogun and Aidan Morris also had chances on the counterattack, but couldn't break through as Ecuador took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The US applied consistent pressure throughout the second half and were rewarded for their efforts in the 71st minute. Malik Tillman set up Balogun, who deposited his close-range finish off the post to even the match at 1-1.

Haji Wright nearly snatched a late winner for the USMNT in the 89th minute, but couldn't convert a breakaway chance as the two sides settled for a draw.

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