United States 1-1 Ecuador: Balogun cancels out Valencia in Austin stalemate

Folarin Balogun was on target for the second game running as the United States held Ecuador to a 1-1 draw in Austin.

The forward, who also netted in his country's 2-0 win over Japan last month, scored a second-half equaliser at Q2 Stadium, where Enner Valencia had put the visitors in front.

Both sides were narrowly off the target early on. Jordy Alcivar drilled a low shot just wide in the fifth minute, while Balogun was inches away from finding the top corner with a curling effort.

It was the visitors who struck first in the 24th minute following a swift counter that saw John Yeboah find Valencia, who fired past goalkeeper Matt Freese from just inside the area.

The USA went close to equalising soon after with Hernan Galindez saving Chris Richards' fierce half-volley, before Balogun poked narrowly wide just before half-time.

However, the Monaco forward did get Mauricio Pochettino's side back on level terms 19 minutes from time, turning home Malik Tillman's cross from close range.

Data Debrief: Impressive Q2 Stadium streak ends for Stars and Stripes

Ecuador, who finished second behind Argentina in the recent CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying section, extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches, while they have only conceded three goals under coach Sebastian Beccacece.

Top scorer Valencia broke the deadlock with his 48th goal in his 101st cap, which saw him move joint-level with Ulises de la Cruz on La Tri's list of all-time leading appearance makers. 

And Balogun became one of two players who debuted in 1995 or later to record a goal contribution in 11 of his first 17 USA starts (after Clint Mathis).

However, the Stars and Stripes saw their unblemished record at Q2 Stadium end. Indeed, prior to this game, they had all won six of their matches played there without conceding.