U.S. National Team
U.S. to Host Ecuador in Oct. Friendly; Location TBD
According to multiple reports, the U.S. men's national team will host Ecuador in an international friendly this fall. It's the third post-World Cup match on the calendar, and the first against a World Cup participant.
THE UNITED STATES men's national team will host Ecuador in a friendly on October 16, according to the Ecuador soccer federation. The game location has not yet been named.
The South American squad defeated Honduras, lost to Switzerland, and tied France this summer in Brazil, finishing third in Group E and failing to advance to the knockout rounds.
The two teams last faced off on October 11, 2011 at Red Bull Arena, with the visitors winning 1-0 on a late goal by substitute Jaime Ayovi. Defender Tim Ream lost his man on the decisive play, and fell out of favor with the national team shortly thereafter.
Currently ranked 26th by FIFA, Ecuador is the highest-ranked opponent currently on the U.S. national team schedule, and the only one of three opponents to make it to the 2014 World Cup. Jurgen Klinsmann's men will travel to Prague to play the Czech Republic, ranked 34th, on September 3, and are slated to face Ireland, ranked 70th, on November 19.
What do you think of these three opponents? Is U.S. Soccer taking its foot off the pedal by scheduling these teams? Or do you like the upcoming competition? Give us your take below.
