USA vs. Ecuador: 2019 Friendly Odds, Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
March 21, 2019
The United States face Ecuador in an international friendly in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday.
Gregg Berhalter took managerial control of the hosts in December, and the former U.S. international has overseen wins against Panama and Costa Rica without conceding.
Ecuador should provide a tougher test for the Stars and Stripes, but Berhalter has called up a strong squad featuring European-based talent blended with Major League Soccer players.
Like the USA, the visitors were disappointed to miss out on the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but former boss Hernan Dario Gomez has returned to manage the team. He previously coached Ecuador from 1999 to 2004.
Date: Thursday, March 21
Time: 8 p.m. ET/12 a.m. GMT (Friday)
TV Info: ESPN2, Univision (U.S.)
Live Stream: WatchESPN, Univision NOW (U.S.)
Odds: USA: 5-4, Ecuador: 21-10, draw: 12-5
(Odds via Oddschecker)
Preview
The long road back to redemption has begun for the USA. A new coach was finally appointed at the end of last year, and the team can now get on with the business of long-term improvement.
Berhalter has been a prominent coaching figure in his homeland, and he has playing experience from his time with Crystal Palace and 1860 Munich.
The USA have drifted over the past 12 months, but the 45-year-old has the essential mix of knowledge of MLS and European football that's required on the international stage.
The former Columbus Crew boss is ready to bring experimentation to his selection as he searches for a formula that works consistently.
According to Ronald Blum of the Associated Press, Berhalter said he will be attempting to develop chemistry against Ecuador:
"This is the beginning phases and we want to test it and we want to see how it looks. When you're looking at a profile of Michael Bradley or Will Trapp, a very controlling player, and you have the dynamic guy next to him in Tyler [Adams] who can come inside and still be influential from that position, we think it's exciting and we want to take a look at it. It may not work exactly how we have planned and we'll have to adapt. But I think in theory it's something worth trying."
Per Blum, Berhalter will not use DeAndre Yedlin in his defence, instead opting for the Newcastle United player to feature in midfield.
The 25-year-old has been the regular right-back for the Magpies in the Premier League this term, but his national-team boss believes he is better employed higher up the field.
Ecuador are unbeaten in their last five matches. Gomez has taken over after departing his coaching role with Panama, and like Berhalter, his mandate will be about the development of the next generation of players.
La Tricolor won the 2019 South American Under-20 Championship earlier this year, finishing above Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay to claim the prestigious youth title.
The future looks good for Gomez and his young side, with Enner Valencia continuing to add experience to the forward line.
This friendly match will act as a useful barometer for both nations. The USA are attempting to find a shape that works for them, with Ecuador in the process of integrating an exciting new dynamic to their squad.