Rochdale Draws 3-3 with Liverpool U21 in EFL Trophy Penalty Shootout
Rochdale AFC faced Liverpool Under-21s in a thrilling EFL Trophy match at Crown Oil Arena, ending in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. The match had significant implications for both teams in the competition.

Rochdale AFC hosted Liverpool Under-21s in the EFL Trophy at Crown Oil Arena on September 22, 2026, in a match that ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, with Liverpool winning 7-6 in the penalty shootout. This fixture was part of the Northern Group H and was crucial for both teams' chances of progressing in the tournament.
The match saw both teams exchange goals, with Rochdale initially taking the lead. However, Liverpool's resilience allowed them to equalise multiple times, culminating in a tense penalty shootout. Sam Waller's penalty for Rochdale was saved, while Daniel Onanuga converted for Liverpool, sealing the victory for the young Reds after a closely contested match.
Rochdale entered the match following a 2-0 victory over Oldham Athletic in League Two, showcasing their ability to bounce back from earlier mixed results. Liverpool U21s came into the game with confidence after a commanding 5-1 win against Brighton and Hove Albion Academy, demonstrating their strong attacking capabilities.
The match was officiated by referee Gareth Sheffield, who has experience at Spotland. Both teams will now look to their next fixtures in the EFL Trophy, with Rochdale aiming to recover from this setback as they continue their campaign. Fans can look forward to further matches as the competition progresses.
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This article was compiled from identified public sources and may be updated when further verified information becomes available.
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