USA 1, Ecuador 0 | 2019 International Friendly Match Recap

Gregg Berhalter's perfect start to his tenure as US men's national team head coach continues. 

The USA was the better side for 81 minutes of a friendly against Ecuador in Orlando, but they didn't have any goals to show for it until forward Gyasi Zardes stepped up and let fly on a shot from the edge of the 18-yard box. The shot deflected off an Ecuadorean defender then beat Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez as the USMNT won 1-0.

The US controlled the run of play and held the ball much of the time in Ecuador's half of the field, but despite the crisp passing leading into the final third, clear-cut scoring chances were at a premium on the night.

It's now a perfect 3-for-3 for the USMNT under Berhalter after wins over Panama (3-0 on Jan. 27) and Costa Rica (2-0 on Feb. 2) which came only a few weeks following his appointment as US head coach on Dec. 2.

Goals

• 81' – USA – Gyasi Zardes

Three Things 

THE BIG PICTURE: Considering this was the first game for this specific group of US players, it's not altogether shocking to see the USMNT didn't fully click on the night, as there was promise in the play on display. Of bigger concern, perhaps, is a potential injury to midfielder Weston McKennie. But pulling out a late win will boost spirits.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: As the cliché goes, you have to take the shot if you want to score, and that's what Zardes did.

MAN OF THE MATCH: There were a few moments where players got in each other's way, but Tyler Adams' shift as a hybrid right back/central midfielder made sure Ecuador could never gain a real grasp of the match.

Next Up

• USA: Tuesday, March 26 vs. Chile (7:55 pm ET | ESPN2)