Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States ended on a worrying note as the Reds suffered a second-half collapse to lose 4-2 against Leeds United in Chicago. Despite a strong start, the team's recurring struggle with set-pieces returned to haunt them, prompting a candid admission from midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.

A Tale of Two Halves

The match began promisingly for the Reds, who seemed to be cruising toward victory after first-half goals from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz. However, the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum as Andoni Iraola's Leeds side unleashed a physical assault on the Liverpool backline.

Leeds secured the comeback through two goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as well as strikes from Brenden Aaronson and Sean Longstaff. Most concerning for Liverpool was the manner of Calvert-Lewin's goals, both of which originated from long throws by Ethan Ampadu that caught the Liverpool defense sleeping at the near post.

The Set-Piece Struggle

Statistics from the encounter underscore the defensive vulnerabilities. While Liverpool controlled the first half, Leeds finished with 15 shots and a 2.2 xG. Notably, 1.6 of that xG came directly from set-pieces, highlighting a systemic failure that plagued the team throughout the 2025-26 campaign, where they conceded a league-high 20 goals from dead-ball situations.

Szoboszlai's Warning

Speaking to LFC TV after the final whistle, Dominik Szoboszlai emphasized that the team cannot afford to carry these habits into the 2026-27 season.

"Now we know we conceded two goals from set-pieces, and we have to take care of them more," Szoboszlai admitted. "Last season was one where everything started to be really important from corners, long throws... We have to take care of it, or next season will be the same as last season."

Despite the loss, Szoboszlai maintained a level of optimism, noting: "You have to look at the positive side, even when it's negative. I know it wasn't the best game, but in the first half, we controlled the whole game. Losing 4-2, we just move on."

Looking Ahead

Liverpool leave the United States with a record of two wins and one defeat. They now return to Anfield for their final pre-season tests against Monaco and Como before the 2026-27 Premier League campaign kicks off against Newcastle United on August 23.