Liverpool lose US tour opener to Roma

BOSTON — A late Marco Borriello goal gave Roma a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in a pre-season friendly yesterday at Fenway Park in a match with limited chances.

“Both teams played with young players,” said Roma coach Rudi Garcia via a translator. “I am quite happy with the development we had.”

For the second time in three years, Fenway, home of Major League Baseball side the Boston Red Sox, was transformed into the home of Liverpool. Red Sox owner John Henry is the controlling partner of Fenway Sports Group which owns the English Premiership side.

Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers praised the atmosphere at the famous baseball ground. Said Rodgers: “It’s the second time in the last couple of years … The support was great. I think it was for both — fantastic.”

Roma beat Liverpool 2-1 at the same venue two years ago and the Serie A team’s president, Jim Pallotta, is also a minority owner of NBA side the Boston Celtics.

Liverpool rested a number of their star players, including captain Steven Gerrard, but the mostly red-clad crowd didn’t seem to mind.

Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States continues with matches in Chicago, New York and Charlotte. AP