Wrexham began their preseason tour of North America’s west coast with a credible 1-1 draw against Premier League Bournemouth in Santa Barbara, California, on Saturday.
In front of a sell-out crowd at Harder Stadium on the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, Wrexham took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Bournemouth defender James Hill headed a corner into his own net.
But Bournemouth came on strong in the second half following six half-time changes and levelled in the 53rd minute when one of their substitutes, Marcos Senesi, scored with a close-range header.
Having withstood further heavy pressure, Wrexham came back into the match after making a full set of 11 changes midway through the second period. Phil Parkinson’s side even had chances to retake the lead and claim a notable preseason win.
A draw was still an impressive result for Wrexham against a team two divisions above them. It is just two seasons ago that four divisions separated the teams, before Wrexham secured back-to-back promotions to move up to League One.
Wrexham were also without last season’s leading scorer Paul Mullin after he underwent minor spinal surgery in June. They were, however, cheered on by one half of their Hollywood ownership pairing, Rob McElhenney.
Bournemouth also had some star power in attendance, with minority owner Michael B. Jordan watching on from the sidelines as the Cherries played in the new jerseys he helped design.
Also on the sidelines was United States international Tyler Adams, after manager Andoni Iraola revealed Friday that the midfielder underwent back surgery following the USMNT’s Copa América exit and will miss the start of Bournemouth’s Premier League season.
Wrexham will next play Chelsea in Santa Clara on Wednesday before concluding their tour in Vancouver, the hometown of their other celebrity owner Ryan Reynolds, against the Whitecaps of MLS. The Welsh club begins their League One season on Aug. 10 against Wycombe Wanderers.