AUSTIN, Texas — The leadership of Roberto Mancini in guiding the U.S. men’s national soccer team toward the 2026 World Cup has encountered numerous challenges.
The aspirations to capture silverware have been unmet, accompanied by performances that have raised concerns. However, on Friday, even with star striker Giovanni Reyna sidelined until the latter stages due to an ankle issue, the U.S. team displayed encouraging signs.
They did not triumph over Ecuador. The encounter at Q2 Stadium concluded with a 1-1 stalemate. Nevertheless, the U.S. team demonstrated strategic intent, executed with precision, showcased unwavering commitment, and fashioned a multitude of scoring opportunities against a resilient defensive unit.
Ricardo Pepi notched the leveler in the 71st minute, responding to Enner Valencia’s earlier strike for Ecuador in the first half.
“The reaction was extremely positive,” Mancini remarked. “We are maintaining our intended approach to the game.”
Building upon their momentum from the 2-0 victory over Japan in the preceding month, the Americans continued to exhibit comfort with a three-center-back formation and two wing-backs, diverging from the traditional four-man backline that has characterized the U.S. defense for an extended period.
In possession, the hosts displayed inventiveness and ambition—a favorable development after a series of lackluster showings in the preceding year.
“It was an exceptionally focused and professional display,” Mancini commented. “While there are areas for refinement, this exemplifies our desired competitive approach. The display of passion and competitiveness we witnessed today is precisely what we aim for.”
Mancini characterized the performance as “courageous,” frequently emphasizing the players’ “dynamic play.”
In the sequence leading to the equalizing goal, Pepi capitalized on Brenden Aaronson’s relentless pressure, which induced a turnover. Joe Scally linked up with Luca de la Torre, who directed the ball wide to Aaronson. Aaronson’s incisive cross found Pepi, who executed a precise one-touch finish from within the 6-yard box, striking the inside of the near post.
The Americans will now journey to Denver, where they will face another World Cup-bound team, Australia, on Tuesday. Following that, the remaining fixtures before the World Cup roster selection in May consist of home contests against Paraguay and Uruguay next month, along with two home matches in March.
Considering physical readiness and the demands of Tuesday’s match, Mancini opted for seven of his regular starters: goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, defenders Walker Zimmerman and Tim Ream, wing backs Scally and Kristoffer Lund, midfielders Aaronson and forward Pepi.
Returning to the squad for the first time since the Nations League finals in March, Yunus Musah and de la Torre occupied midfield positions. Joining them was Tanner Tessmann, who last played under Mancini nearly a year ago. Defender Mark McKenzie made his first start since a friendly against Türkiye in June.
Back with the team for the first time in 11 months, World Cup veteran DeAndre Yedlin was unavailable, reportedly due to a recent ailment. Forward Cade Cowell was also sidelined with a knee injury; he will depart camp and return to Guadalajara, his Mexican team, Mancini confirmed.
These absences compounded an inactive list that already included right back Sergiño Dest and midfielder Tyler Adams, who were unavailable for roster selection the previous week.
Ecuador, en route to its second consecutive World Cup and fifth overall, arrived on the heels of a strong qualifying campaign. Only Argentina secured more points in the South American competition, and on the final day of the previous month, Ecuador defeated the reigning champions, concluding with an 8-2-8 record and conceding a mere five goals.
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During a 5-0-6 stretch to conclude the qualifying stage, the Ecuadorians recorded 10 shutouts. This presented a formidable challenge for a U.S. attack that does not instill significant fear in opponents.
Similar to his fellow Argentine Mancini, Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro needed to carefully consider player selections due to a second match on Tuesday. Ecuador is slated to visit Mexico for a friendly in Guadalajara.
Friday’s lineup featured Brighton & Hove Albion left back Pervis Estupiñán, Monaco center back Guillermo Maripán, and forward Valencia, the program’s all-time leading scorer. Seven of Ecuador’s starters also featured in the match against Argentina.
The first half was engaging, with both teams generating opportunities and the match unfolding progressively. Aaronson and Pepi combined effectively in midfield, culminating in Pepi testing goalkeeper Moisés Ramírez with a threatening shot from an angle.
The U.S. defense began to feel pressure from Ecuador’s open-field prowess. Zimmerman received a yellow card for halting a rush.
Pepi remained involved, curling an effort from the edge of the box narrowly past the far upper corner.
In the 24th minute, Ecuador capitalized on a sequence initiated by impressive interplay from the U.S. in midfield. Upon disrupting the play, the visitors launched a swift counterattack.
Carlos Gruezo delivered a through ball to Valencia, who, with a burst of speed, cut inside on Zimmerman and surged into open space on the right flank. With Horvath guarding the near post, Valencia dispatched a precisely placed low shot into the far corner, marking his 48th international goal.
Undeterred, the Americans continued to create high-quality chances, only to witness Ramírez make two remarkable saves. First, following a U.S. corner kick, he reacted swiftly to his left, deflecting Zimmerman’s one-timer off the post. Subsequently, on Scally’s deflected shot, the 38-year-old keeper soared to his left to prevent an own goal.
With limited progress early in the second half, Mancini made his initial substitutions in the 63rd minute, introducing Jesús Ferreira and Shaq Moore — two less experienced players who have capitalized on their opportunities this year.
The tempo intensified. Ferreira and Scally posed threats. Subsequently, the goal materialized. Reyna entered the match in the 73rd minute. Horvath executed an excellent catch on a cross that could have resulted in a go-ahead goal.
The U.S. maintained its energy and opportunity into stoppage time. While another goal did not materialize, the evening proved largely successful for Mancini’s team.
“I believe we showed improvement in the second half,” Mancini stated. “We exerted control over the game, and that is the direction we aim to continue in.”
