The U.S. Men’s National Team continued the Gregg Berhalter era on Thursday night, hosting Ecuador at Orlando City Stadium in the first of two March international friendlies.
An intriguing tactical battle that Berhalter largely won, the match offered little in terms of spectacle. Chances were few and far between, especially in the second half, and the lack of attacking quality on show was perfectly encapsulated by Gyasi Zardes’ winner, a looping deflection that somehow squeezed under the crossbar as the Ecuador goalkeeper, Alexander Dominguez, miserably failed to tip the ball up and away.
Here are three things we learned from the 1-0 victory, a victory that preserves Berhalter’s perfect record as the USMNT head coach.