Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie all got their first chance to play for the USA men's national team under Gregg Berhalter on Thursday night, but it was Gyasi Zardes who struck the decisive blow in a 1-0 win over Ecuador. In front of 17442 fans in Orlando, the U.S. controlled possession for the entirety of the game, a contest which saw both sides combine for just six total shots. A draw seemed to be in the cards until the 81st minute, when a shot from range by Zardes took a wicked deflection, looping in over keeper Alexander Dominguez.

D.C. United's Paul Arriola was handed his 20th cap from the start, getting the nod on the left flank. Arriola, who started in the same role last month against Costa Rica, played 77 minutes and was quite active in the first half. United's winger should have given the hosts the lead in the 25th minute, when a loose ball settled nicely for him cutting in from the left. In front of goal, though, Arriola's shot was saved by Dominguez. 

Perfect buildup, #USMNT on the hunt for that opener. Keep pushing. ? pic.twitter.com/B4FHRgLVlZ

— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) March 22, 2019

A couple of minutes later, Arriola did have the ball in the net, but the play had already been blown dead from an offside call against Jordan Morris. 

Ecuador's only shot of the game came in the 33rd minute when the visitors took advantage of Morris losing his marker. Renato Ibarra, down the left flank, was able to feed Beder Caicedo in the box, with just Sean Johnson to beat. The defender spooned his effort over the bar from close range, ending the chance quickly. 

The second half was an exercise in Ecuador dropping deep, inviting the US to try to beat them with possession. That was something the US seemed incapable of, even before Pulisic was removed near the hour mark. 

Though the U.S. eventually walked away with the win, the most notable event of the night was an injury sustained by McKennie in the second half. Jumping to challenge for a header, on his return to ground, McKennie seemed to severely roll up on his left ankle and had to eventually be carried on a stretcher back to the bench. The initial prognosis was a sprained ankle.

A draw seemed certain between the two teams, until Tim Ream intercepted a pass in midfield, and found Zardes in space. There wasn't much hope for Zardes' long-range effort, but the deflection took his shot high up in the air,  falling down in the goal just beyond the outstretched arm of Dominguez. 

ON THE BOARD! A @gyasinho strike puts the #USMNT in front! ? pic.twitter.com/rxLdlWkZMG

— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) March 22, 2019

The U.S., who have won all three games under Berhalter, without conceding a goal, is back in action on Tuesday night when they face Chile in Houston.