Wrexham’s manager Phil Parkinson feels that his team could have triumphed over “billion-pound team” Chelsea during their pre-season tour in North America.
The newly promoted League One side nearly stunned their Premier League counterparts in a 2-2 draw that attracted an attendance of 32,724 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Wrexham surged ahead with second-half goals from Jack Marriott and Luke Bolton after Christopher Nkunku’s opening goal in the first half, but Lesley Ugochukwu’s equaliser in the 82nd minute salvaged a draw for Chelsea’s new manager Enzo Maresca.
Parkinson expressed his admiration for the advancements made by his team, stating: “I am absolutely delighted.
“You have to consider the context. We faced a billion-pound team that has invested heavily, and just two years ago we were in the National League.
“To stand toe-to-toe with Chelsea tonight shows the tremendous effort from the lads, and we could and should have claimed victory.
“We feel let down that [Sam] Dalby was fouled while the linesman was signaling urgently, and the referee seemed unaware, leading to the ball ending up in our net.
“The new additions have integrated seamlessly into our squad so far. We’re not looking to complain too much. The lads put in a solid performance, played with conviction in the second half, and really took the fight to them.”
