The U.S. controlled much of the game against a World Cup team, eventually reaching the equalizer. However, they could have deserved more.

AUSTIN, Texas –There were moments during the U.S. men’s national team’s match against Ecuador on Friday night that left you wondering, “What would happen?”

What would happen if Christian Pulisic were 90 minutes fit and was able to get the ball into certain places that his teammates were not using their time? What do you think if Tyler Adams was the one playing the midfield? What would happen if Antonee Robinson were on the left side, making balls that very few of the players on this team can?

At the conclusion of the game however, it was more of a “what could happen” rather than “what can be.” For several months, Mauricio Pochettino discussed the importance of performance, culture, and belief. All of these were highlighted as the USMNT gave a glimpse of the future of what this could appear like in the coming years.

“We are talking about actions and notions, formations, and other kinds of things,” Pochettino said. “After an entire year I am satisfied that we aren’t having to discuss other things such as commitment, attitude, or other things which previously, we’ve had to discuss. I consider that to be an enormous leap forward. No matter if we win or lose, it all depends on how we perform and if we’re more effective. Now, we must ensure that we’re better than our adversaries.”

The final result was that in the end, the U.S. weren’t quite better in the end, at least on the scoreboard since the game ended as a draw of 1-1. However it was the case that the USMNT were clearly the team who were on the leading edge. In a variant of their three-back method, the team of Mauricio Pochettino regularly produced situations in dangerous spaces. They also conceded a few goals as well and that’s, in the end the reason Enner Valencia got away from Chris Richards on the game’s first goal just 24 minutes into.

Then, however it was to be a matter of time. Folarin Balogun would often break free. Malik Tillman poked and prodded. In the end, they both connected to score an equalizer in the 71st minute, an in-the-middle tap-in from the Monaco man, which the USMNT will claim was more than the money they. They had been waiting at the door throughout the night. In the end, it was Balogun who was the one who kicked it into.

“I’m so happy,” Pochettino said. “I believe that the response was fantastic. I think we played in the way we would like to be playing.”

Balogun was the main star for the evening, however there were many small highlights throughout. Weston McKennie, making his USMNT comeback, put in a solid shift. Also, Tanner Tessmann, who grew into his position in an midfield that was not a part of the Adams. At the point that the cavalry, commanded by Pulisic was on the scene at the end of the 2nd period it was a matter as to whether U.S. could find the winner, but it didn’t happen.

“I was feeling like we were in control. They’re a risky team in shifts, and even more danger when we gave them the chance to make a mess of the mistakes we made,” McKennie told TNT. “With this World Cup coming around the next corner, there’s a sense of urgency and we’re trying to get a team that is able to know the way everybody moves, how everyone is passing, running, and all of that. I’m glad we got an extra.”

Disappointing draw? Yes however, Pochettino will certainly feel that it was a good draw. This was an impressive performance, one was one in which it was clear that the U.S. stared down some obstacles and eventually emerged as the more superior team, even though the score didn’t show that it. Another indication of improvement for a team that requires it as Pochettino who is 10-7-2 after 19 matches as the head coach is working to improve the team their way to winning the World Cup.

“We are at a higher level than we were a year ago,” Pochettino told TNT. “On the field, we have to demonstrate that we’re more advanced however, in the off-field, we’re growing a lot. If you can build the concept from the outside, it’s much easier to transfer it onto the field. We are a team and more mature. Now, we must prove this on the field. We are looking to be successful in games.

“We do not have a roof. It’s all about building trust… The team has good players as well as players who are beginning to realize what we expect from them. There’s time to get in excellent condition to play in this World Cup.”

Goal scores the USMNT players from Q2 Stadium.

Goalkeeper & Defense

Matt Freese (5/10):

It wasn’t a fluke however, it was the kind of save that an no. one goalkeeper must perform. Sometimes, if you’re a No. 1player, you must be able to bail your defense out and Freese did not manage to make that happen on Ecuador’s most important moment. He did make a good catch on a last-minute Ecuador chance, but at the World Cup level, all it takes is one chance to end the tournament.

Max Arfsten (5/10):

Displayed some of the things could be accomplished with the ball, while showing some of the pitfalls due to his skills to play it. It was a good test for him to face an elite opponent, and in reality, the test was neither failed nor passed.

Tim Ream (6/10):

Solid and steady all night. Not much, but did not need it as his general manner of keeping things in check.

Chris Richards (5/10):

Unusual error by him in the USMNT shirt. He was close to regaining his composure as well, but he was unable to move Valencia far enough to create the difference to the goal. It was a close call to make amends, however, so kudos to Valencia for the goal.

Miles Robinson (6/10):

Did a bit more of the right-back position, with Weah pushing him so high into the air. It was a good job covering the space, but his yellow card in the first half led to him being substituted early.

Tim Weah (6/10):

Was a shrewd player in his wingback position But his biggest contribution came later, when it was revealed that the U.S. switched up systems. Weah played a part in the equalizer, proving that he is more than just speed from the outside.

Midfield

Tanner Tessman (7/10):

There were some moments of angst however, he was a major difference-maker when the player played in Tillman to assist the hockey team for the equalizer. There were instances where the USMNT did not have control in the beginning however, he settled well as the game moved forward.

Aidan Morris (5/10):

You can’t blame him for the goal, since it was the position where he needed to bet. However, outside of that the goalkeeper didn’t provide enough control. There was a excellent USMNT strike in the opening period that was killed off by a hefty passing.

Attack

Weston McKennie (7/10):

Did the small things efficiently. Did a couple of fantastic passes, and had a few important defensive moments. Overall, a good performance for an athlete that had to demonstrate all his abilities to the team.

Malik Tillman (7/10):

A few times where he was able to get the ball in potentially dangerous areas, but couldn’t get the space or the determination to take advantage of the opportunities. It was only late when he managed to place Balogun in the right position for a strike to equalize the goal.

Folarin Balogun (8/10):

A total nightmare throughout the night long. It could have been, and almost definitely should have, scored more than the one goal. An important reminder of why he’s considered the most likely to be No. 9 in the coming summer.

Subs & Manager

Diego Luna (7/10):

Certainly added energy to the game. He certainly added a sense of excitement to the. You could feel it from the crowd as soon as when he took his first step on.

Alex Freeman (6/10):

He saw a lot of ball in the right-hand corner as he continued to push forward, despite Ecuador’s defense.

Christian Pulisic (6/10):

Just touched the ball only a few times, therefore, there was nothing he could do. The reason he didn’t get started was due to an injured ankle.

Mark McKenzie (5/10):

It appears that a man was lost in one Ecuador break however Freese was there to help make the game.

Cristian Roldan (6/10):

It was added to ensure stability. It was done even though it wasn’t necessary to perform too much.

Haji Wright (N/A):

It was difficult to get a hold of the ball in his final appearance.

Mauricio Pochettino (7/10):

The team did pretty well in the light of injuries. We are generally happy with the results and what it will mean for the team going forward as they prepare for World Cup. World Cup.