The Rondo: Key Insights from Draw Against Ecuador, Impact of Christian Pulisic for USMNT, and Predictions for Friendly vs Australia

GOAL US writers debate USMNT's result against Ecuador and whether Mauricio Pochettino should make changes ahead of tricky Australia matchCOMMERCE CITY, Colo. - So, 1-1. Not a bad result for the USMNT. They struggled in the opening stages, and could have few qualms in going down 1-0. But Mauricio Pochettino's men rallied. The shapes started to form, the players kicked into gear. Suddenly, there was a team here. The draw could have been a win with a couple fortunate bounces.Still, this is less about the scoreline and more about the performance - if only because that's the real positive to take from the game. Sure, Weston McKennie was excellent. Tim Weah, Malik Tillman and Tanner Tessmann all showed why they should be in with a shout every time the U.S. play. Christian Pulisic, dealing with an aggravated ankle, still came in as second-half sub.And Folarin Balogun showed why he leads the race to be the starting striker. In short, these were mostly good things from a mostly good performance. And perhaps that's exactly what was required here. Australia are next, and they're pretty good, too - sitting in the top 25 of FIFA's world rankings and coming off a 1-0 victory over Canada.GOAL US writers break down the USMNT friendlies in the latest edition of... The Rondo.

A Glimpse into the USMNT's Performance

The USMNT's 1-1 draw against Ecuador showcased a team that struggled initially but found their rhythm as the game progressed. Mauricio Pochettino's tactical adjustments seemed to pay off, with players like Weston McKennie shining on the field.

Mixed Bag for Christian Pulisic

Despite dealing with an ankle issue, Christian Pulisic made a limited impact as a second-half substitute. The debate over managing his fitness and maximizing his contribution continues among fans and pundits.

Bright Prospects for Young Talents

Emerging talents like Tim Weah, Malik Tillman, and Tanner Tessmann impressed with their performances, showcasing their potential to make a mark in the USMNT setup. Folarin Balogun's display highlighted his case for a starting role as the team's striker.

Looking Ahead to the Australia Match

With Australia posing a strong challenge, currently ranking in the top 25 of FIFA's world rankings, the USMNT faces another tough test. The recent victory of Australia over Canada sets the stage for an exciting clash, prompting discussions on how the US team should approach this friendly fixture.

Insights from GOAL US Writers' Analysis

Find out more about the detailed breakdown of the USMNT's friendlies and the potential changes that Mauricio Pochettino could make to the squad ahead of the Australia match in the latest edition of 'The Rondo'. Stay updated with the latest news and insights from goal.com to stay informed about the team's progress.