Liverpool staged an impressive second-half comeback to beat Sunderland 4-2 in an entertaining preseason friendly at GEODIS Park in Nashville on Saturday, overcoming a spirited challenge from the newly promoted Black Cats to claim their first victory of the summer.
With several of both clubs’ biggest names still absent after their involvement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the match gave fringe players, academy prospects, and recent signings a chance to impress in front of an enthusiastic Tennessee crowd. They delivered six goals, end-to-end football, and plenty of encouragement ahead of the new campaign.
Liverpool looked comfortable early and went ahead through Morrison in the 13th minute, only for Sunderland to respond with a spectacular equaliser from Lee Fee. The Black Cats then stunned the twenty-time Premier League champions shortly after halftime through substitute Tutierov, but Liverpool’s superior quality eventually showed as Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Kouma completed a commanding comeback.
Bright Liverpool start
Liverpool controlled possession from the opening whistle, moving the ball patiently through midfield and testing Sunderland’s defensive shape with quick combinations on both flanks.
The Reds’ young lineup showed sharp movement despite the absence of several established internationals still on extended leave after the World Cup. Sunderland, meanwhile, defended with discipline and threatened whenever they broke through the pace of their wide players.
Liverpool’s pressure eventually paid off in the 13th minute. A flowing passing move carved through Sunderland’s midfield before the ball reached Morrison inside the penalty area. The youngster kept his composure, took one touch, and drilled a low finish beyond the Sunderland goalkeeper to give Liverpool a deserved 1-0 lead. The early breakthrough reflected Liverpool’s dominance during the opening quarter-hour as they controlled possession and dictated the tempo.
Fee produces a moment of magic
Sunderland refused to let Liverpool dictate the match for a long time and gradually grew into the contest. The Black Cats became more aggressive in midfield, pressing higher and forcing Liverpool into several misplaced passes. Their reward arrived midway through the first half courtesy of a stunning individual strike.
Receiving possession nearly 30 yards from goal, Sunderland’s number 28, Lee Fee, looked up and unleashed an unstoppable effort that rocketed into the top corner. The Liverpool goalkeeper had no chance as the thunderous strike crashed into the net, drawing a huge reaction from the Nashville crowd. It was a goal worthy of any occasion and completely shifted the momentum.
Sunderland were suddenly full of confidence, moving the ball crisply while Liverpool appeared briefly rattled by the spectacular equaliser. The remainder of the first half became increasingly competitive, with both sides creating opportunities but neither able to find another breakthrough before halftime. The teams entered the dressing rooms level at 1-1 after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
Sunderland shock Liverpool after the break
Sunderland made several substitutions during the interval, and the changes produced an immediate impact. Just four minutes into the second half, substitute Tutierov completed an impressive move to give Sunderland a surprise lead.
A quick attack exposed Liverpool’s back line before the substitute found himself with space inside the area. Showing excellent composure, Tuterev calmly slotted home to make it 2-1 in the 49th minute. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Sunderland supporters, who sensed a famous preseason upset against one of England’s biggest clubs. Liverpool suddenly faced an unfamiliar challenge.
Szoboszlai announces himself
Liverpool’s manager responded by introducing several experienced players, including Dominik Szoboszlai, whose arrival immediately changed the rhythm of the game. Only minutes after entering the contest, the Hungarian midfielder produced the moment of the match. Collecting possession nearly 30 yards from goal in the 56th minute, Szoboszlai took one touch before unleashing a ferocious right-footed strike that screamed past the helpless goalkeeper and into the top corner.
The stunning effort restored parity at 2-2 and shifted momentum decisively back toward Liverpool. The goal energised the Reds, who began moving the ball with far greater confidence and purpose. Szoboszlai’s leadership, vision, and technical quality elevated Liverpool’s midfield, allowing the Premier League side to regain complete control.
Chiesa completes the comeback
Liverpool kept pushing forward as Sunderland struggled to cope with the increased tempo. Wave after wave of attacks eventually produced the decisive breakthrough in the 72nd minute. Federico Chiesa, another second-half introduction, timed his run perfectly before receiving a well-weighted through ball inside the penalty area.
The Italian winger made no mistake, calmly slotting his finish beyond the advancing goalkeeper to complete Liverpool’s comeback and put the Reds 3-2 ahead. It was a deserved reward for Liverpool’s persistence and reflected the growing gulf in quality once more experienced players entered the match. Sunderland continued battling and attempted to force another equaliser, but Liverpool’s defence settled after the earlier setback and restricted the Black Cats to only a handful of half chances.
Koumas puts the result beyond doubt
As Sunderland committed more players forward in search of another equaliser, spaces began to open behind their defence. Liverpool capitalised five minutes from time. A swift counterattack found Kouma racing into the box before the forward confidently finished, making it 4-2 in the 85th minute.
The goal ended Sunderland’s resistance and capped an excellent attacking response from Liverpool after they had trailed early in the second half. Liverpool comfortably retained possession in the closing minutes before the final whistle confirmed an entertaining victory in Nashville.
Valuable minutes for both squads
While the result will please Liverpool, the afternoon was primarily about building fitness and rhythm ahead of the upcoming campaign. Both managers continue to operate without several of their biggest international stars, who remain on post-World Cup leave following their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their absence allowed younger players to showcase their potential, and several strengthened their case for further opportunities during preseason.
For Sunderland, there were encouraging signs despite the defeat. Fee’s spectacular equaliser and Tuterev’s second-half goal underlined the attacking threat the Black Cats possess, while their organisation for much of the match suggested they can compete effectively against elite opposition.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be particularly encouraged by the impact of their experienced substitutes. Szoboszlai transformed the midfield after his introduction, Chiesa delivered a clinical finish when his side needed inspiration, and Kouma capped the afternoon with an assured late goal.
Coming from behind to win also provides an early confidence boost as preparations continue for another demanding season. Both clubs now quickly turn their attention to the next stage of preseason. Sunderland return to action on Thursday against Leeds United in another important fitness test, while Liverpool continue their U.S. tour against Wrexham as they look to build on their first preseason victory of the summer.
