By Jojo Doria

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.

Soccer - U.S. Soccer Team Falls to Ecuador; Canada on Top in World Cup Qualifying