USMNT's second half vs. Ecuador gives positives for Pochettino

"In the first half, even as the U.S. controlled the tempo (64.4% vs. 35.6% possession), it was Ecuador that controlled a key area. They made more of the little plays that mattered. That ability is in line with their recent history. They are a side that have ridden defensive solidity, excellent goalkeeping when needed, and an opportunistic attack to finish second in World Cup qualifying behind reigning champions Argentina."

"In this match, for a half at any rate, Ecuador checked every one of those boxes. The defense was adept at constricting space, deflecting passes, and forcing the U.S. into blind alleys. On the rare occasions when the U.S. broke through, goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez was there to deliver a pair of outstanding saves, including a deflection off the post from a Chris Richards shot in the 26th minute."

"In attack, Ecuador punished the U.S. with a transition goal in the 24th minute. U.S. midfielder Aidan Morris came up empty when he tried to jump on a transition pass to Jordy Alcivar, and Ecuador midfielder's subsequent feed to Enner Valencia allowed the Pachuca striker to get into a one-vs.-one situation against Richards, which he made the most of to fire home a shot just inside Matt Freese's far post."

The U.S. and Ecuador played to a 1-1 draw in Austin, with the U.S. holding 64.4% possession yet failing to convert dominance into a decisive lead. Ecuador controlled key areas in the first half through compact defending, timely interventions, and opportunistic transitions. Goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez produced two excellent saves, including a deflection off the post from a Chris Richards shot. Enner Valencia scored on a 24th-minute counter after Aidan Morris failed to intercept a pass to Jordy Alcivar. Ecuador conceded only five goals in 18 World Cup qualifying matches, scoring 14 to finish second behind Argentina.

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