Landon Donovan’s final game in the United States men’s national team uniform nearly had a fairy tale goal to end it... several times, but by the time he subbed out in the 41st minute those misses were irrelevant.
A one-minute standing ovation helped Donovan off the field in his goodbye game, and a Mix Diskerud goal made sure he left the field in the lead. It wouldn’t last as Enner Valencia scored in the 88th minute to get things level.
For all the story and sights of the first half, head here.
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Once Donovan subbed off, the game had a bizarre feel. Certainly, an era was over but also the main attraction, so to speak, had concluded.
There was still an important lead to hold onto against a World Cup opponent, and Brad Guzan was called upon to make several big saves early in the second half.
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And Altidore threatened several times for the Yanks before giving way to Chris Wondolowski, who would take the captain’s armband.
But a bizarre deflection cost the States big time late. The 88th minute saw West Ham United striker Enner Valencia rip a ball off Ream’s back and into the goal from 28 yards away, tying the match at 1.
Bobby Wood had a golden chance in the fourth-minute of stoppage time, but elected to lay the ball across the six where it was intercepted and eventually cleared.
Lineups
United States: Guzan, Chandler, Orozco (Gonzalez, 62'), Brooks (Ream, 62'), Garza; Yedlin, Bedoya (Morales, 62'), Diskerud, Gyau (Wood, 21'); Donovan (Corona, 41'), Altidore (Wondolowski, 76').
Goal: Diskerud (5')
Ecuador: Paredes, Cangá, Erazo, Ayoví; R. Ibarra (J. Gonzalez, 44'), Castillo, Noboa, Cazares (Sornoza, 86'); Penilla (Plata, 46'), E. Valencia
Goal: E Valencia (88')