Enner Valencia, in action for Ecuador. (Photo by Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)
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Enner Valencia, now 35 years old and playing for Pachuca in Mexico, scored a fantastic goal against the United States in Austin this weekend, following six goals for Ecuador during World Cup qualifying. The teams tied 1-1 in their first meeting since the United States defeated Ecuador 1-0 in a 2019 friendly.
United States 1-1 Ecuador
International friendlies aren’t all about the result but both nations will be happy with the 1-1. For Ecuador, the result extends an impressive unbeaten run to 12 games. For the U.S., it’s a stabilising outcome after recent defeats against Mexico and South Korea.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Folarin Balogun #20 of United States and Joel Ordoñez #4 of Ecuador battle for the ball during an international friendly match between United States and Ecuador at Q2 Stadium on October 10, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
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The host nation had more shots and 66% possession in the game but Ecuador was without some crucial players like Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo, Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié and more.
United States talisman Christian Pulisic was rested for most of the match. He came on for a short cameo towards the end of the tie. AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun scored his second international goal in as many appearances in the 71st minute to salvage a tie for the ‘USMNT.’
Enner Valencia Magic
Enner Valencia’s opening goal was simple but sensational. His first touch was the key. The forward controlled the ball with his instep and took it away from Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards in an instant. He raced towards goal and finished expertly into the bottom corner.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Enner Valencia #13 of Ecuador is marked by Chris Richards #3 of United States during an international friendly match between United States and Ecuador at Q2 Stadium on October 10, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
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Ecuador didn’t have a lot of clear opportunities in the game, but for the goal, Enner Valencia made his own chance even though he picked the ball up near the halfway line. The striker drove forward at great speed, showing fantastic close control and producing a fabulous finish.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise. Valencia has now scored 48 goals in 101 Ecuador appearances, including three strikes at the last World Cup in 2022.
All Eyes On 2026
Both teams still have one match to play in this international window. Australia travels to Colorado to take on the United States and Ecuador will take on Mexico in Guadalajara.
AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 10: Forward Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States control the ball while being defended by Midfielder Alan Franco #21 of Ecuador during the friendly soccer match between the United States Mens National Team and the National Team of Ecuador on October 10, 2025, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, TX 78735. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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As a host nation at the FIFA 2026 World Cup, the United States will have a guaranteed place in Pot 1 of the December group stage draw. Ecuador has long secured its place at the tournament, but it is still unknown if the South American side will be occupy Pot 2 or Pot 3 for the group stage draw.
Regardless of which pot includes Ecuador, nobody will want to face ‘La Tricolor’ in the group stage. Clearly the second-best team in South American qualifying after world champion Argentina, this is a young and hungry squad full of quality that can make a deep run in next summer’s tournament.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Enner Valencia #13 of Ecuador celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during an international friendly match between United States and Ecuador at Q2 Stadium on October 10, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
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Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephosullivan/2025/10/12/enner-valencia-scores-as-ecuador-earns-tie-against-the-united-states/
