Andoni Iraola's side made it two pre-season victories in a row as Liverpool defeated Wrexham 1-0 at Yankee Stadium in New York. Substitute Rio Ngumoha scored the only goal when his shot looped off Wrexham defender Lewis Brunt and beat goalkeeper Danny Ward in the second half.
Iraola used his entire squad, making sweeping changes throughout the match to give minutes to as many players as possible. Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Ryan Gravenberch stayed in Chicago to build fitness, while Federico Chiesa was ill and Jeremy Jacquet also absent. Liverpool face Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago to conclude their US tour.
Goalkeeper and defenders
Giorgi Mamardashvili (7) was alert, racing off his line to deny a threatening Wrexham chance and making a good save from Smith before an offside flag. Calvin Ramsay (6) struggled to support Josh Abe going forward but defended adequately. Ifeanyi Ndukwe (7), the 18-year-old Austrian, won his battles and headers, though his distribution needs improvement. Luke Chambers (8) delivered a very assured display at left centre-back, calm in possession and always well-positioned. Milos Kerkez (6), in his first start of the summer, was rarely troubled defensively but could not get forward as much as he wanted.
Midfield and attack
Dominik Szoboszlai (8) looked sharp on his first pre-season start, relishing the captain's armband and showing his class. Trey Nyoni (7) enjoyed a deeper midfield role, breaking up attacks intelligently. Joshua Abe (6) had an early chance but could not finish; at 16, his senior experience shows how highly he is regarded. Harvey Elliott (7) always wanted the ball in the number 10 role and forced a good save from Ward. Calum Scanlon (7) was lively and quick down the wing. Lewis Koumas (6) struggled leading the line and seems better suited to wider areas.
Substitutes
Curtis Jones (6) looked strong and fit after half-time. Kieran Morrison (6) did okay on the left side. Kostas Tsimikas (6) was solid competition for Kerkez. Rio Ngumoha (7) started slowly but scored the deflected winner. James McConnell (6) kept things ticking in midfield. Jeremie Frimpong (6) got forward but was not productive with his crossing. Will Wright (6) was physical and pressed well. Harvey Davies (6) had little to do after replacing Mamardashvili. Mor Talla Ndiaye (6) slotted in nicely. Josh Sonnie-Lambie (6) earned his first pre-season minutes but was not heavily involved.
