Wrexham hold Chelsea in entertaining pre-season encounter in the USA
James McClean started up front with Ollie Palmer Credit: Conor Ryan (ETPhotos)
Wrexham 2 - 2 Chelsea
Wrexham continued their US Tour with an exciting 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
The match saw Wrexham come from behind to take the lead, only for Chelsea to level late on, marking the second consecutive draw for the Red Dragons on this tour having drawn 1-1 with Bournemouth on Sunday.
Chelsea initially led through Christopher Nkunku's 35th-minute strike, a close-range finish following a rebounded shot from Tyrique George.
Wrexham had their chances but were kept at bay by Chelsea’s defence and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
In the second half, Luke Bolton equalised for Wrexham in the 58th minute, finishing a low cross from Seb Revan after some good build-up play.
Wrexham then took the lead in the 71st minute through Jack Marriott, who scored with a brilliant left-footed finish following a quick counter-attack.
Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu scored in the 82nd minute to ensure the match ended in a draw. His calm finish from inside the area left Wrexham’s substitute goalkeeper Callum Burton with no chance.
Match Highlights
35': Nkunku scores from a rebound to give Chelsea the lead.
58': Bolton equalises for Wrexham with a cool finish at the back post.
71': Marriott puts Wrexham ahead with a superb strike.
82': Ugochukwu levels for Chelsea with a well-placed shot.
Line-ups
Wrexham: Okonkwo (Burton 63), Cleworth (James 84), Brunt (Evans 63), O’Connor (Boyle 46), Bolton (Barnett 63), Jones (Cannon 63), Dobson (Ashfield 77), Lee (Davies 63), Revan (Marriott 63), McClean (Forde 84), Palmer (Dalby 63)
Subs not used: Howard, Waters, Bickerstaff
Chelsea First Half XI: Sanchez; James (C), Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Colwill; Lavia, Chukwuemeka, Nkunku; Madueke, Guiu, George.
Chelsea Second Half XI: Bergstrom; Gusto, Acheampong, Fofana, Chilwell; Santos, Ugochukwu, Chukwuemeka; Angelo, Broja, Sterling.
Subs not used: Beech, Santos, Veiga
Next Up
Wrexham will play against Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada to conclude their tour. Chelsea will take on Celtic at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday.
