Zardes scores late as U.S. beats Ecuador

Mar 21, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; United States forward Gyasi Zardes (9) gives thumbs up to the fans as they beat the Ecuador of an international friendly soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Kim Klement

(Reuters) - Gyasi Zardes' 81st minute goal led the United States to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Orlando on Thursday, the team's third successive win under new head coach Gregg Berhalter.

Zardes shot from the top of the box deflected off an Ecuadorian defender and then sailed over the head of goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez.

The U.S. dominated possession and had some good opportunities but were unable to finish against the stout Ecuadorian defence until the centre forward's first international goal since the Copa America quarter-final against Ecuador in 2016 broke the deadlock.

Mar 21, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; United States midfielder Michael Bradley (4), defender DeAndre Yedlin (2) and teammates celebrate to the fans as they beat the Ecuador of an international friendly soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Kim Klement

Berhalter, a former national team defender who played at two World Cups, took over from interim head coach Dave Sarachan in December after five seasons with Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew.

(Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)

Mar 21, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; Ecuador defender Beder Caicedo (13) dribbles the ball as United States forward Jordan Mooris (11) defends during first half of an international friendly soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Kim Klement

Mar 21, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; United States midfielder Will Trapp (6) defends Ecuador defender Beder Caicedo (13) during first half of an international friendly soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Kim Klement

Mar 21, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; United States forward Jordan Mooris (11) heads the ball against the Ecuador during first half of an international friendly soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Kim Klement

Mar 21, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA;United States midfielder Paul Arriola (7) shoots as Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez (22) defends during first half of an international friendly soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Kim Klement

Mar 21, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; Ecuador defender Juan Carlos Paredes (4) dribbles the ball against the United States during first half of an international friendly soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Kim Klement

Mar 21, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA;United States forward Christian Pulisic (10) kicks a free kick against the Ecuador during first half of an international friendly soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Kim Klement

Mar 21, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; United States midfielder Tyler Adams (14) defends Ecuador midfielder Alex Ibarra (5) during first half of an international friendly soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Kim Klement

Mar 21, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; United States midfielder Weston Mckennie (8) heads the ball as Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez (22) defends during first half of an international friendly soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Kim Klement

Mar 21, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA;United States forward Jordan Mooris (11) dribbles the ball as Ecuador defender Beder Caicedo (13) defends during first half of an international friendly soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Kim Klement

Mar 21, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; United States midfielder Paul Arriola (7) dribbles the ball as Ecuador defender Juan Carlos Paredes (4) defends during first half of an international friendly soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Kim Klement