The U.S. matched Ecuador's speed and liveliness throughout the game, and Balogun scored his seventh goal in 20 U.S. appearances.

The U.S. men’s national team drew 1–1 with Ecuador at Q2 Stadium in Austin, a result that doesn’t do the overall performance justice.

At the center of pre-match speculation is Christian Pulisic, Milan’s in-form forward and the unquestionable heartbeat of the American attack. Will Christian Pulisic play?

Cristian Pulisic is not starting for the USMNT for tonight’s friendly match against Ecuador at Q2 Stadium. Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts during the first half against Japan during an International Friendly at Lower.com Field on September 09, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/USSF/Getty Images)

Christian Pulisic was a surprise exclusion from the U.S. men’s national team lineup to face Ecuador in an international friendly.

H appy Friday! World Cup qualifying is back in full swing, and while Concacaf will be among the federations taking center stage, later tonight, the United States men's national team will play a high-level friendly against Ecuador. I'm Chuck Booth and I'm here to get you primed for that and a weekend of qualifiers around the world.