Photo: Timmy96 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons
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Rio Ngumoha scored the only goal as Liverpool defeated Wrexham 1-0 at Yankee Stadium in New York on Wednesday, continuing their pre-season tour of the United States.
The result made it back-to-back wins for Liverpool on the tour, following a 4-2 victory over Sunderland in Nashville.
Ngumoha, wearing the No.73 shirt, netted with a deflected effort in the second half after latching onto a pass from Dominik Szoboszlai. "Dom received the ball, I was just running and obviously I slipped a bit. I tried to drive and I just saw a shot. I shot and it went in," the winger said after the match.
The 18-year-old acknowledged the goal was fortunate but was quick to claim it. "I don't know, it was a bit scruffy! But if you don't shoot, you don't score!"
Ngumoha said pre-season under new head coach Andoni Iraola has provided a clear opportunity to make an impression. "These games are a really good showcase to show the manager, because it's a fresh start for everyone. It's really important and it's good."
On the specific demands Iraola has placed on him, Ngumoha outlined a clear brief. "Pressing. We like to press high – so any duels we can win, we can go at full speed. And then on the ball, when I get the chance one-v-one, take it on. Goals and assists as well."
Ngumoha joined Liverpool's first-team pre-season setup as a young prospect and has featured regularly in the tour matches. He said the senior players have been supportive. "All the lads are treating me like I'm a professional player. Obviously, I'm still young and I'm learning, but all the players have been top."
Iraola replaced Arne Slot as Liverpool head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.