Manchester United defeats Liverpool to win International Champions Cup

August 5, 2014

Manchester United defeated Liverpool, 3-1, Monday night in Miami in front of 51,014 fans to win the second annual International Champions Cup -- a two-week soccer tournament across 13 different North American cities involving some of Europe's most accomplished clubs. The Cup's finals matchup featured two of the most storied franchises in the world with star-studded rosters and 38 League titles between them.

Liverpool took an early 1-0 lead when Steven Gerrard converted a penalty kick in the 14th minute.  However, after halftime, Manchester United adjusted, as stars Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata scored mere minutes apart in the 54th and 56th minutes to rally the Red Devils to victory on a rainy night.

A beautiful cross by Mexican star Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez -- who did not play in Manchester United's recent friendly in Los Angeles against the Galaxy -- led to the equalizer by Rooney.  Rooney was named Man of the Match for his efforts.

Mata, a winger for the Spanish National team, powered the game-winner home on a deflection two minutes later, and Jesse Lingard added breathing room in the 88th minute on a shot from just inside the 18-yard box to cap the scoring.

Manchester United remained undefeated under new manager Louis Van Gaal.

“After an exciting two weeks and 13 great games throughout 13 different cities, we are pleased to crown Manchester United as the champion of the 2014 Guinness International Champions Cup,” said Charlie Stillitano, CEO of Relevent Sports. “I want to congratulate manager Louis Van Gaal, Man of the Match Wayne Rooney and the rest of Manchester United on behalf of Relevent Sports. The 2014 Guinness International Champions Cup featured the largest soccer crowd ever in the United States, continually put world-class soccer on display across North America, and Monday night in Miami was no exception. Manchester United and Liverpool have a tremendous rivalry and proved once again, this tournament is much more than a collection of friendlies and we look forward to continuing these traditions in the United States and Asia.”

The Guinness International Champions Cup featured four sellouts and attendance records in six cities. Group play of the tournament was headlined by Manchester United vs. Real Madrid at “The Big House” at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, with the attendance of 109,318 setting a record for most fans at a professional soccer game in America.

Stevan Jovetic of Manchester City led the tournament with five goals, as he scored in all three of Manchester City’s contests.  Rooney, along with Dimitris Diamantakos of Olympiacos, netted three goals throughout the tournament to finish second.  Raheem Sterling of Liverpool and Francesco Totti of AS Roma, scored two goals apiece.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services

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