Folarin Balogun delivered a statement performance to strengthen his grip on the USMNT’s No. 9 role, while Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical blueprint finally came to life in a 1-1 draw with Ecuador. From Balogun’s brilliance to Chris Richards’ defensive lapse, here are the winners and losers as the Americans continue to fine-tune their World Cup preparations.
WINNER: Folarin Balogun — The main man up top
Folarin Balogun was electric from start to finish, leading the line with confidence, aggression, and purpose. His equaliser in the 71st minute capped a performance full of smart runs, hold-up play, and selfless pressing.
When the U.S. trailed 1-0 late in the first half, Balogun sparked life into the attack, bursting through Ecuador’s defence and creating chances with both pace and composure. His movement consistently stretched the back line, giving the U.S. a focal point they’ve lacked in recent years.
Even teammates were full of praise. “He’s an amazing player — always fighting, always running behind,” said Tim Weah, while Weston McKennie noted, “Having a nine like that gives relief to the team. He did a brilliant job today.”
With the World Cup less than a year away, Balogun now looks firmly in control of the starting striker position — a crucial breakthrough in Pochettino’s evolving setup.
WINNER: Mauricio Pochettino — Identity taking shape
This was Mauricio Pochettino’s clearest statement yet as USMNT boss. The team played with structure, confidence, and purpose — signs that his tactical vision is finally embedding.
Against a tough Ecuador side, the U.S. didn’t crumble after conceding first. Instead, they pressed higher, circulated the ball quickly, and found balance between midfield creativity and defensive shape. The decision to push McKennie further forward alongside Malik Tillman worked perfectly, allowing the Americans to dominate large spells of possession.
“After one year, I’m happy that we’re now talking about formations and tactics, not about attitude or commitment,” Pochettino said post-match.
Even without Christian Pulisic, who came on late after recovering from injury, the U.S. looked composed and adaptable — a hallmark of Pochettino’s early progress.
WINNER: Malik Tillman — Confidence returns
Malik Tillman needed a strong international performance, and he delivered exactly that. Playing as an attacking midfielder, he was calm, creative, and influential — particularly with his assist for Balogun’s equaliser.
His end-to-end energy and link-up play evoked memories of Dele Alli during Pochettino’s Tottenham era. It was a timely reminder of his quality following a mixed start to the season at Bayer Leverkusen. If he maintains this form, he could cement a key role in the manager’s World Cup plans.
LOSER: Chris Richards — Off the pace
Chris Richards endured a forgettable night. The Crystal Palace defender struggled in key moments, particularly on Enner Valencia’s opening goal, where his slow reaction allowed the Ecuador veteran to pounce.
While the U.S. were caught out by a broken play, Richards’ recovery was sluggish — a lapse of concentration that proved costly. Once seen as the team’s most athletic defender, his inconsistency remains a concern heading into the final stretch of qualifiers.
LOSER: Matt Freese — A costly reminder
Goalkeeper Matt Freese had a night to forget in his first major test against South American opposition. Although Ecuador’s goal wasn’t solely his fault, it was a save he should have made.
Freese’s strong Gold Cup performances had earned him the inside track for the No. 1 spot, but this outing will reignite debate. He did redeem himself late with a fine stop in the 78th minute — but questions remain about whether he can provide the reliability needed in big matches.
LOSER: Aidan Morris — A night of misfortune
Back in the national team setup, Aidan Morris couldn’t catch a break. His misplaced positioning contributed to Ecuador’s opener, and he later saw a sure scoring chance deflect off Tim Weah’s heel.
The midfielder’s energy and intent were there, but execution wasn’t. With Pochettino expected to rotate his lineup for the next friendly against Australia, Morris may find himself on the bench as the manager integrates Pulisic and other returning starters.
The bigger picture: Progress and promise under Pochettino
While the 1-1 draw won’t grab headlines, it represents one of the most cohesive performances under Pochettino’s tenure. The U.S. dominated possession, created high-quality chances, and showed resilience against a seasoned Ecuador side.
With Balogun emerging as the clear No. 9, Tillman rediscovering rhythm, and Pochettino’s system gaining identity, the USMNT appear to be moving in the right direction — just in time for a defining year ahead.
