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Two Ecuadorian goals in each half end Kiwi hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
It was a must win game for New Zealand, having lost the opener to Nigeria and drawing with hosts Dominican Republic, while Ecuador just needed a point to secure a quarter-final spot after defeating Dominican Republic.
The tone was set early as Ecuador immediately settled into the New Zealand half with defender Charli Dunn called upon to settle the defensive nerves. At the other end of the pitch, the attacking trio of Pia Vlok, Katie Pugh and Ela Jerez combined fleetingly, but were unable to settle into a rhythm.
Early on, Brooke Neary made an excellent save after a smart turn from Caprice Chiuchiolo. The midfielder created space to set herself up for a long range shot, but the kiwi keeper was alert to palm the ball over the bar.
Ecuador’s consistent flair and tenacity saw them take a deserved 2-0 lead shortly before half time.
The first coming from star Domenica Arboleda, whose goals against Domincan Republic secured Ecuador their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup win. Played into the penalty area by Chiuchiolo, Aboleda coolly took a touch before slotting past an outstretched Neary.
Chiuchiolo, who had been in the thick of the action, got herself on the scoresheet two minutes later, after a brilliant lob from outside the box beat Neary to double the South Americans’ lead.
Knowing her side needed to score at least three goals in the second half, Gunn rang the changes at half time, bringing on Laura Bennett, Emily Humphrey and Milee Loxton and shifting to a 3-5-2 in an attempt to wrest control back in the midfield and have more options up front.
Chiuchiolo picked up where she left off after the restart, scoring her second of the match with a long range effort to catching Neary off her line.
Despite a more settled period for the New Zealanders, the final nail in the coffin of their campaign came in the 79th minute through Dariana Moran’s left footed drive.
New Zealand: 0
Ecuador: 4 (Domenica ABOLEDA 41’; Caprice CHIUCHIOLO 43’, 49’; Dariana MORAN 79’)
HT: 0-2
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