U.S. ties with Ecuador: Pochettino highlights Balogun’s bravery and goal

Pochettino Lauds the Spirit of His Players After Draw Against Ecuador

The United States coach, Mauricio Pochettino, highlighted the bravery and fighting spirit of his players after the 1-1 draw against Ecuador in a friendly that was characterized by its intensity. The equalizing goal came in the 71st minute, thanks to Folarin Balogun.

“We were very brave in trying to go forward, trying to find the space,” Pochettino commented on his team’s performance in the second half, at the 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 able to find the gaps and challenge them.”

Mauricio Pochettino

After going down 1-0 following Enner Valencia’s goal for Ecuador in the 24th minute, the American team maintained offensive pressure and ball possession. This match occurred against a South American team that hasn’t lost a match since September 2024. After a scoreless first half, Pochettino and his players intensified their game, achieving a tie thanks to Balogun, assisted by Malik Tillman.

“I am very happy. A striker always needs to feel the net, and his work ethic is amazing in the way he is always available in every aspect of the game, with and without the ball. I am very satisfied with his performance”, said Pochettino about the AS Monaco striker.

Mauricio Pochettino

Balogun’s performance is encouraging news for Pochettino, who may not have other players in the final friendly of the October international window against Australia on Tuesday. Alejandro Zendejas, who did not participate in the match against Ecuador, will return to Mexico City due to a knee injury suffered during training.

“Zendejas, bad news, because he’s leaving tonight… because he has a small problem in his knee, in the back of his knee. It’s not a serious problem, but he won’t be available for the next match and needs to return to his club,” explained Pochettino.

Mauricio Pochettino

Antonee Robinson, from Fulham, who is returning to the national team after surgery in May, was also unavailable for Friday’s friendly.

“Antonee, we need to assess. He wasn’t available today. We’ll see tomorrow if he can train. We’ll communicate it, but he wasn’t available today,” commented Pochettino, who also pointed out that Christian Pulisic, from AC Milan, is not 100% due to an ankle problem.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pulisic only played 17 minutes from the bench against Ecuador, and Pochettino indicated after the match that “they will see if he can be available again” for Tuesday. The United States has one win, one draw, and one loss since their defeat in the summer’s Gold Cup final against Mexico. After the October window, Pochettino and the United States will play two friendlies in November against Paraguay and Uruguay to close out the year.