United States coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the spirit of his players, who rallied for a 1-1 draw against Ecuador in an aggressive friendly Friday that included a 71st-minute equalizer from Folarin Balogun .

"We were so brave in trying to go forward, try to find the space," Pochettino said postgame about his team's second-half efforts as the U.S. upped its tempo at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. "Ecuador is a very physical team. Chasing people at the same time, with the possibility and the calm to play, I think we were capable to find the gaps and challenge [them].

"I think we improved in the second half. I think we dominate the game in all the aspects."

Trailing 1-0 after Ecuador's Enner Valencia scored in the 24th minute, the Americans responded by maintaining attacking momen

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