Leeds fight back from two goals down to beat Liverpool 4-2 in Chicago friendly
- Leeds overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Liverpool 4-2 in a preseason friendly in Chicago.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice after the interval as Leeds punished a series of defensive errors.
- Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola said Jeremie Frimpong’s substitution was precautionary and expects the defender to be available.
Leeds United produced an impressive second-half comeback to beat Liverpool 4-2 in a preseason friendly in Chicago after recovering from a two-goal deficit.
Liverpool controlled the opening period and established a deserved advantage before the interval through Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz. Leeds responded after the restart with four unanswered goals, including a brace from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, to complete the turnaround.
The Premier League champions made a strong start and opened the scoring after seven minutes.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner was flicked into the danger area, allowing 22-year-old defender Luke Chambers to finish from close range.
Liverpool doubled their advantage five minutes before half-time with a well-worked move.
Academy midfielder Trey Nyoni switched play with a long pass to Jeremie Frimpong, who volleyed the ball across goal for Florian Wirtz to convert.
Leeds began their comeback on the hour when Brenden Aaronson capitalised on a mistake from Milos Kerkez.
Kerkez surrendered possession under pressure from Ethan Ampadu, allowing Aaronson to reduce the deficit.
Ampadu’s long throw then created the equaliser as Calvert-Lewin found space inside the penalty area before finishing confidently to make it 2-2.
Leeds completed the turnaround moments later.
Curtis Jones lost possession in midfield, presenting Sean Longstaff with the opportunity to drive forward and score the visitors’ third goal.
Calvert-Lewin added his second of the afternoon five minutes from time after another long throw from Ampadu caused confusion inside Liverpool’s penalty area.
The striker reacted quickest to seal Leeds’ fourth goal and complete an impressive comeback.
Liverpool supporters were also concerned when Frimpong left the field during the second half after appearing uncomfortable.
Head coach Andoni Iraola played down concerns after the match and said the substitution was made as a precaution.
“As for the sub, I don’t think it’s an injury,” Iraola told club media.
“It was just some overload, and I hope he’s not injured.”
“In that way, I don’t think we’ve lost anyone.”
Iraola admitted Liverpool’s second-half display fell below the standards set before the interval but believes the defeat will provide valuable lessons before the new campaign.
“I think we learned a lot of things,” he said.
“Obviously it’s not the result you want, but I think probably the most useful friendly we played, in a positive way in the first half and in a negative way in the second half.”
“I think we learned a lot from today, and I think we can take good conclusions and solve some things.”