Mena and Caicedo stood out. Arboleda was solid in defense. Overall good game but there's some stuff that needs to be worked on.
Great game from us in all aspects. The ref tried to help Uruguay out in the end too much and even took a valid goal from us but we got through it. Once again I have to compliment Alfaro because he showed us an Ecuador that can get things done defensively and offensively. Something we haven't seen in a very long time. I'm very excited about this core. The young players play as if they're veterans and we have proper depth for once.
What an incredible game. I’m just going to be happy right now and dissect the bad later. The first 70 minutes was the best ball I’ve seen us play in years. We have not been scored on from open play in 180 minutes, says a lot about how our team closes and pressures. We aren’t perfect, but I have never heard so much praise from a commentary that wasn’t Ecuadorian. We have a team boys, this somehow feels more promising than the last cycle when we had 6 points at this juncture.
I think Mena got tired of all the ish talk,all over social media.lol .Those two late penalties were ridiculous,but I knew Plata was going to come out and do his thing!I caught a caracol link,and the commentators had nothing but great things to say about our young squad,especially Plata,they were waiting for him to come out and play and he didn't disappoint
Other than the ending (terrible calls IMO), the rest of the game was great by everyone. Tactically, Alfaro called one of the best games we have played in a long time. I mean... we should have scored even more honestly. This team is so much fun to watch! Great balance of youth and experience. I imagine with more time this team can be even more polished. Great game!
I really hope Porozo, Quintero, and Alvarado continue their growth so they can be a part of this NT. Alvarado going to the MLS is not ideal but if Gruezo went from the MLS to Europe, Alvarado can do the same.
BTW... I don’t think our CB gave up one goal! All the goals were penalty kicks (we need to clean that up). I don’t remember Argentina and Uruguay having that many chances to score either. I was completely proven wrong by this defense. I’m so glad I was. Also, MLS is spending a lot on young players. They get good education and one of the best facilities to train in the world. IMO MLS has surpassed Mexico in developing players (just watch how many American soccer players are in Europe now). I think it was a great move for his development and can jump to Europe after if he is that good. Would I want them to move to Europe better? Yeah, but it’s an upgrade I think.
I think Alvarado went to the wrong team. He'll come off the bench with Orlando City SC. He needs consistent minutes to continue his development. We'll see what happens though.