Harrison, NJ

Though they looked sharp in their attack for much of the game, the United States failed to find the back of the net against Ecuador, resulting in a 1-0 loss in an international friendly at Red Bull Arena.

It dropped the American team under new boss Jurgen Klinsmann to 1-3-1 since the former German star and coach replaced Bob Bradley in late July.

Klinsmann, 47, who has been advocating a much active offense in contrast to his predecessor Bradley, has been rewarded with only two goals in five matches since taking over the post.

The American side employed a 4-1-3-1 formation and sometimes a 4-3-3. It managed to forge a 1-1 tie with Mexico and then lost to Costa Rica and Belgium 1-0 before last weekend's 1-0 triumph over Honduras.

On Tuesday, Jamie Ayovi got past American defender Tim Ream before beating goalkeeper Tim Howard from the middle of the penalty area with the game-winner for Ecuador in the 79th minute.

The U.S. is expected to polish its play as it return to action during the Nov. 11-15 FIFA dates, but no details have been announced regarding its upcoming matches.

Meanwhile, Canada held on to the top spot in Group D despite a disappointing draw with Puerto Rico 0-0 Tuesday night in a 2014 World Cup qualifying tilt at BMO Field.

Canada (3-0-0), which pummeled St. Lucia 7-0 Friday, failed to pull the trigger against Puerto Rico's suffocating defense,

Tuesday night's 1-1 draw between St. Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis enabled the Canadian side to hold on to their four-point group lead.

Canada will next face second-place St. Kitts and Nevis to determine which team moves to the semifinal round of the CONCACAF's World Cup-qualifying tournament.

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