ORLANDO (Feb. 2, 2019) – U.S. Soccer has selected the city of Orlando to host USA-Ecuador on March 21, with both teams preparing for their respective confederation championship tournaments this summer. ESPN2, UniMás and UDN will broadcast live from Orlando City Stadium (pregame coverage starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on UniMás and UDN). Fans can also follow along via U.S. Soccer’s official Facebook, Twitter (@ussoccer_MNT ) and Instagram (@ussoccer_MNT) accounts.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our fans to be part of the U.S. Men’s National Team journey,” said Orlando City SC CEO Alex Leitão. “In the two years since we opened Orlando City Stadium, our fans have created an energy and atmosphere that continues to bring more marquee soccer events to the City of Orlando exposing us to many different audiences and countries around the world.”
The match will be the third under new MNT head coach Gregg Berhalter, who began his tenure by leading the U.S. to a 3-0 victory against Panama on Jan. 27.
“Ecuador has an experienced, athletic team that will provide a good test for our group. We will use this opportunity to continue to build on the foundation of the team as we develop our style of play,” U.S. MNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said. “Playing in Orlando City Stadium is a great soccer experience - the atmosphere is fantastic.”
This will be the USA’s third visit to Orlando and the second since the opening of Orlando City Stadium. A nearly 20-year gap began following a 1-0 win against Sweden in 1998 and when the United States returned to march to a 4-0 win against Panama on Oct. 6, 2017, in front of sellout crowd of 25,303 fans.
In addition to the USA vs. Ecuador match on March 21, Orlando City Stadium will also play host for the 2019 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target this summer.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets go on sale to the public Wednesday, Feb.13, at 10 a.m. ET through ussoccer.com. [Note: Tickets are not sold at Orlando City Stadium except on the day of the event.] Groups of 20 or more can order directly at ussoccer.com. Ultimate Fan Tickets (special VIP packages that include a premium ticket, a custom-made official U.S. National Team jersey with name and number, VIP access to the field before and after the game, and other unique benefits) are also available exclusively through ussoccer.com.
Coaches Circle and Presidents Circle members supporting the U.S. Soccer Development Fund can receive individual customer support and concierge services for their ticketing needs. Click here or contact circles@ussoccer.org for more information.
FIRST FIFA FIXTURE DATE IN 2019
Because the matches in March are being played during the dates allotted for National Team matches, this will be head coach Gregg Berhalter’s first opportunity to select from the entire MNT player pool, including those based in Europe and Mexico. This is the only chance to bring the entire group together prior to the start of training camp ahead of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
LOOKING TO EVEN THE SCORE AGAINST ECUADOR
The USA is looking to even the all-time series against Ecuador, which currently stands at 4-5-5 in favor of the visitors. In the last meeting, goals by Clint Dempsey and Gyasi Zardes lifted the MNT to a 2-1 win in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Copa America Centenario.
