By Matthew T.F. Harrington

the guardian.com photo: Liverpool’s Divock Origi celebrates after scoring with teammate in win over Milan at Levis Stadium on Saturday night

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Liverpool Football Club topped Associazione Calcio Milan 2-0  in Saturday night’s International Champions Cup at Levi’s Stadium. After a nil-nil first half, the Premier League side rode a 59^th minute goal Man of the Match Divok Origi to beat its Serie A foe. Roberto Firmino also scored for the Reds in their second fixture in the States following a 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the Rose Bowl Thursday.

Liverpool, looking to prep for a rebound in Premier league play after ranking eighth on the table last season, dominated play with its pass-heavy offense forcing the pace. Despite the technical advantage, neither the Reds nor Milan couldn’t create enough offensive rhythm to find the back of the net until the second half.

Origi came on in the 46^th minute for striker and star Daniel Sturridge. The 21-year-old Belgian, starting his second season with Liverpool after stealing the occasional start from Sturridge, proved his worth by opening the scoring in the 59^th minute. Origi took Alberto Moreno’s feed from the left wing and bent it perfectly inside the far post.

Origi’s strike opened the floodgates for the Reds, with Firmino finishing off a beautiful strike in the 73^rd minute. The confident Brazilian slid to tap in a ball redirected to him, finish his goal by striking a leisurely pose in celebration. Sheyi Ojo slid the pass that was directed back to Firmino for the doubling goal.

While the win gave Liverpool its first ICC win, Milan was coming off a 8-6 shootout win over Bayern Munich of the Bundesliga. Manager Vincenzo Montella wasn’t distressed over the loss in his first season at the helm of AC Milan, but instead hopes it helps the once-mighty Rossoneri prepare for the Serie A season starting August 21^st. Milan finished seventh in the Serie A table and have struggled to match clubs like Juventus during the transfer window.

Milan takes a stab at Chelsea August 3^rd in Minneapolis while Liverpool wraps up its ICC run by returning to England for a meeting with FC Barcelona on the 6^th. Before that though, they’ll face AS Roma Tuesday in St. Louis. The Premier League kicks off for the Reds on August 14^th, with Arsenal welcoming Liverpool to Emirates Stadium.