Wrexham manage draw against major opponent as the League One side faces Premier League side Bournemouth.
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Wrexham earn 1-1 drawOwn goal gave League One side leadSenesi scores for BournemouthGettyTELL ME MORE
Wrexham held their own against the Cherries, who are a full two leagues above their opponents from Wales. While Bournemouth were certainly the better of the two teams, it was actually Wrexham that broke through first.
Just moments before halftime, Wrexham got the opener, although it was an own goal. James McClean's corner went off the head of Bournemouth defender James Hill and into the back of the net, giving Wrexham the 1-0 advantage.
That lead didn't last long into the second half, though. Marco Senesi provided the headed finish after Phillip Billing flicked the ball toward the goal, leveling the score at one apiece. That's how it finished, as Wrexham held on to earn a 1-1 draw with a team two leagues above them.
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This is Wrexham's second consecutive preseason in the United States. Last summer, the club lost to Chelsea before defeating LA Galaxy II and, notably, Manchester United. They then drew Philadelphia Union II in their final preseason friendly.
Getty ImagesTHE MVP
There were a few minutes early in the second half in which Bournemouth really pushed. They're a Premier League team and were playing like it, putting loads of pressure on a Wrexham defense that was starting to bend. They didn't break, though, and it's at least partially thanks to Arthur Okonkwo.
After spending last season on loan with Wrexham, Okonkwo has now left Arsenal to join the club permanently. It's a huge win for Wrexham, and Saturday's match showed why. In the big moments, Okwonko is a player who can make big saves and, at just 22, there's much room for improvement.
Saturday's performance will only give him confidence as Wrexham march forward.
THE BIG LOSER
Hill was wildly unlucky, but it's still never fun to see the words "own goal" next to your name.
The centerback spent part of last season on loan with Blackburn Rovers but returned midseason to make five Premier League appearances. He'll be looking to earn more this campaign.
The own goal shouldn't hurt that pursuit but, even so, it's a frustrating moment that both Hill and Bournemouth could have dealt with.