Bizarre goal gives U.S. victory

Zardes’ shot ricochets off defender before bounding over goalie

Gregg Berhalter became only the second American coach to win his first three games when Gyasi Zardes scored a bizarre goal that deflected off a defender, looped over goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez and ricocheted in off the crossbar in the 81st minute for a 1-0 exhibition win over Ecuador on Thursday.

Christian Pulisic, Weston Mckennie and Tyler Adams, a trio of 20-year-olds who have become regulars in the German Bundesliga, started together for the first time as Berhalter had the full American player pool available. The U.S., still recovering from its failure to qualify for last year’s World Cup, showed some of the fluidity and offensive spark Berhalter sought but also was exposed for defensive gaps that stronger opponents would exploit.

Mckennie limped off about 20 minutes into the second half after twisting his left ankle when landing after jumping for a header with Ecuador’s Carlos Gruezo, who low-bridged him a bit. Mckennie reached the corner flag with assistance, grimacing, and then needed a stretcher to come off the field.

Paul Arriola had two excellent chances, getting stopped by Dominguez in the 26th minute and then putting the ball in the net in the 30th only for Jordan Morris to get ruled offside during the buildup.

Zardes scored when his shot from about 22 yards hit bounded off Robert Arboleda. Dominguez was unable to tip the ball over the crossbar.