Sunderland under-18s produced a valiant display but it wasn't enough as Liverpool struck twice to seal all three points.
In the first period, the Wearsiders fell behind to a goal on 16 minutes after starting well.
Following good possession by the home team down the right, the ball bobbled in the box before being tapped over the line.
However, Sunderland responded well and came back fighting, particularly in the second half as Jake Hackett rattled the bar with a superb free-kick before two further efforts were cleared off the line.
The young Black Cats were always strong down the left where Swedish full-back Oscar Krusnell had a good game in his first start following a long-term injury which saw him miss the start of the season.
His inclusion enabled usual full-back Fergus McAughtrie to push up into midfield where he also did well and in the final phase of the game, Sunderland continued to pile forward in an attempt to earn a share of the spoils.
But while the lads switched their attentions to their offensive side of the game, Elliott Dickman's side were caught ten minutes from time as Liverpool struck from distance to seal all three points.
Speaking post-match Dickman said: "We played really well especially in the second half where we took the game to Liverpool and we deserved a point from a tremendous performance."
Sunderland: Woud, Hickey(Howard 70) Taylor, Storey (Young 60), Krusnell, Kimpioka(Best 65), Allan, Hackett, McAughtrie, Diamond, Fowler.
Subs not used: Patterson, Lilley