On Friday, the USA will host Ecuador in Austin, Texas, with an opportunity to place collectively a small profitable streak. Because the World Cup attracts nearer, Mauricio Pochettino is getting nearer to determining his core squad, with gamers corresponding to Antonee Robinson, Patrick Agyemang and Tanner Tessemann all making a return to the squad throughout this worldwide break. There’s room to enhance, however there’s additionally hope as a formation shift to a again three going through Japan helped result in a win versus a (rotated) FIFA prime 20 crew.
In going through Ecuador, Pochettino could have one other probability to guide the crew to a signature win, however the assault might want to come into the tie ready, as Ecuador have solely allowed 5 targets in 18 matches performed in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. However this is how the USMNT can break by means of that protection.
Maintain the again three
Whereas it is probably not the first formation for the USMNT shifting ahead, with Tyler Adams out of the squad as a result of anticipated delivery of his baby, taking a defense-first method is not a nasty factor. Aidan Morris is again within the squad, and the Middlesbrough man might characteristic in midfield, however he’s extra of a box-to-box presence than a regular defensive midfielder. That is good to suit into the squad, nevertheless it’s one thing that might work nicely subsequent to Tessemann or Weston McKennie. With Robinson’s return, whereas he is probably not match to play a full 90 minutes, he provides the USMNT a unique dimension going each methods for the crew.
Robinson has said that he is not 100% however this will probably be a possibility for him to work with the nationwide crew and regain health. In his first look underneath Pochettino, Robinson operated as an inverted fullback, pushing the assault ahead, and that is a job that might proceed with Pochettino constructing from his fullbacks throughout his time in command of the nationwide crew. Doing that may assist stability the assault whereas additionally serving to break down Ecuador’s sturdy protection. Robinson said that there hasn’t been a dialogue about what number of minutes he’ll play throughout this camp, however any stage of affect from the Fulham man will probably be a lot appreciated.
Journey the recent hand
Relaxation throughout the summer season might have paid off for Christian Pulisic, beginning the season on a excessive word for Milan. Pulisic has six targets and two assists in solely eight appearances, and that type translating to the nationwide crew will probably be important to their success. Not coaching on Thursday, although Pochettino did not say why, there’s a probability that Pulisic will not begin going through Ecuador, however that does not imply that he is not a key participant within the match if he is obtainable.
Pulisic was capable of seize his first aim contribution of 2025 for the USMNT together with his help towards Japan, however he nonetheless seeks his first aim of the 12 months for the USMNT. Robinson’s return may also assist Pulisic as a result of left-hand facet of the pitch returning to regular. With the World Cup closing in, it is essential that Pochettino will get gamers who he views as his prime choices collectively as a lot as doable, and within the assault, gamers like Pulisic have separated themselves from the pack.
Strive new issues
It is essential to win, however that is additionally a pleasant the place Pochettino can drop guys right into a strain cooker and see what occurs. Mark McKenzie opened up on how Pochettino desires him to play like Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, so it is a good probability to see if that may occur. With the protection unsettled forward of the World Cup, determining if a participant like McKenzie — who has had his moments with the USMNT however by no means appeared settled — can carry out with strain on the road is essential. The identical goes for midfield, the place Pochettino can combine and match first-team gamers with guys like Morris who want to break by means of. Seeing gamers return from the 2022 World Cup squad to the USMNT is an efficient begin, however for this crew to advance previous the spherical of 16, they will want contemporary faces to step up, and camps like this one are the place Pochettino can determine who he can actually belief.
Tips on how to watch USMNT vs. Ecuador, odds
- Date: Friday, Oct. 10 | Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Q2 Stadium — Austin, Texas
- TV: TNT | Reside stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: USMNT +125; Draw +220; Ecuador +230
Predicted XI
USA: Matt Freese, Antonee Robinson, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman, Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris, Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic
