Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Wrexham in a pre-season friendly at Yankee Stadium, with Rio Ngumoha's deflected goal proving the difference. The match, played in front of 42,204 fans, was a test of depth for new head coach Andoni Iraola, who fielded a highly experimental side.
Match Overview: A Low-Key Affair in New York
Despite the iconic venue, the game lacked intensity, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. Liverpool's preparations were disrupted by a cancelled flight from Chicago, forcing the squad to arrive just hours before kickoff. Wrexham, backed by co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, defended resolutely but rarely threatened.
The only goal came in the 75th minute when Ngumoha, a second-half substitute, cut inside from the right and saw his shot loop in off Wrexham defender Lewis Brunt. It was a moment of fortune, but the young winger's willingness to take on his man was a positive sign.
Youth on Display: Joshua Abe and Others Impress
With several first-team players unavailable, Iraola turned to the club's academy prospects. Six starters had no Premier League experience, including Joshua Abe, a 16-year-old right winger who recently committed his future to Liverpool. Abe showed flashes of his pace and directness, though he was well marshalled by Wrexham's defence.

Ngumoha, also a teenager, made the biggest impact off the bench. His goal was his first for the senior team, and his overall performance underlined why Liverpool fought off competition to sign him.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Rio Ngumoha's winner secures back-to-back pre-season wins for Liverpool under Andoni Iraola.
- Joshua Abe's debut suggests a bright future, but he needs time to develop physically.
- Wrexham's organised defence showed they can compete against higher-level opposition.
- Liverpool's travel issues highlight the challenges of pre-season tours.
Comparison: Liverpool vs Wrexham in Pre-Season
| Metric | Liverpool | Wrexham |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 62% | 38% |
| Shots | 14 | 5 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 1 |
| Corners | 7 | 2 |
| Fouls | 10 | 12 |
What's Next for Both Teams?
Liverpool will return to Chicago for their next pre-season fixture, hoping to integrate key players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who were rested. Wrexham, meanwhile, will take positives from their disciplined performance as they prepare for the League One season.