Dominik Szoboszlai rescues Liverpool within minutes after Sunderland turnaround in Nashville thriller
Liverpool responded immediately after surrendering their lead, with Dominik Szoboszlai firing home just minutes after Sunderland had gone in front to restore parity in an entertaining pre-season clash at GEODIS Park in Nashville.
The Reds looked to be in trouble when Sunderland completed a stunning turnaround early in the second half.
After cancelling out Kieran Morrison’s first-half opener through Enzo Le Fee before the break, the Black Cats edged 2-1 ahead in the 49th minute when substitute Timur Tuterov found the net shortly after the restart.
However, Sunderland’s advantage lasted only seven minutes.
Introduced at half-time as part of Andoni Iraola’s wholesale changes, Szoboszlai made an instant impact by producing a composed finish in the 56th minute to level the contest at 2-2.
The Hungary international’s goal capped a swift Liverpool response after a difficult spell and ensured the Reds quickly regained momentum.
Szoboszlai had replaced Harvey Elliott during the interval as Iraola refreshed almost his entire outfield, with Milos Kerkez, Trey Nyoni, Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas among those introduced for the second half.
The changes injected fresh energy into Liverpool after Sunderland had briefly seized control of the game.
The equaliser also highlighted Szoboszlai’s importance heading into the new season.
Despite the match being a pre-season friendly, the midfielder demonstrated his eye for goal and ability to influence games from midfield, punishing Sunderland before they had time to settle after taking the lead.
In a game that had already seen Joe Gomez forced off injured and academy prospect Morrison continue his rise with the opening goal, Szoboszlai ensured Liverpool avoided trailing for long.
