Soccer: Gerrard hat-trick as Liverpool beat TNS

LONDON - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard scored a hat-trick as the European champions opened their title defence with a comfortable 3-0 win over Welsh underdogs Total Network Solutions today.

Gerrard, playing the week after committing his future to his boyhood club by signing a new contract, struck twice in the first half and again in the 90th minute of the Champions League first qualifying round, first leg at Anfield.

Liverpool were allowed to defend their trophy, won against AC Milan in a penalty shootout in May, after European soccer's governing body UEFA made the unprecedented move of giving England a fifth place in the competition.

Ireland's Shelbourne beat Glentoran of Northern Ireland 2-1 away in their game on the first night of qualifiers.

- REUTERS