Written by USCherry
A really nice setting for a stadium, and bear in mind this is a decent college (university) soccer team. Note the mountains on the left, the seat we chose was shaded but the rest of the stadium was bathed in sun, there was a breeze but I doubt could be felt anywhere, it was hot. The composition of fans was interesting, with a lot of Wrexham merch on view, the fan zone was “Wrex on tour” with a small AFCB area. I got a Bourne in the USA t-shirt. As others noted for some of those in attendance the game was secondary to everything else. Getting up to go get food, chat, and the match going on in the background.
In terms of the game, it was a disjointed first half. Hill looked off, Jebbison was not in the races, they either needed more time or a loan somewhere. It felt like an FA Cup game with the bigger team with the possession and trying to break down an organized 11, with the smaller team trying to win possession and break quickly and looking for something off a set piece which was duly delivered in the last minutes of the first half.
AFCB made multiple changes with a side that looked more Premier League-ready. Dango looking particularly dangerous on the left. Not sure why Billing was up front, but he was ok and connected play well, probably the best we looked was the first 25 of the second half. More subs from Wrexham on about 65 – almost wholesale changes – and a couple more from AFCB. The second half ended with Wrexham having a few half chances, probably more chances than us.
A typical pre-season with a mix of first-team and squad/youth throughout. It’s early but it will be interesting to see who Arsenal put out and who we put out.
We sat next to a couple of Wrexham fans who came from Wrexham, staying in LA. I couldn’t tell but I think one of the owners spoke at half time, I don’t think it was Ryan Reynolds, probably the other one, or maybe neither. I didn’t really care.
Oh and, there was no alcohol being sold in the stadium, or at least nothing we could find, not many happy fans for that.
On a side note, we stayed in Santa Barbara. What a beautiful city, I highly recommend it.
Your say…
kirsikka wrote…
A few thoughts.
1. That pitch… what on earth is that stadium usually used for? Apart from growing potatoes.
2. We started with a very much reserve line up but from the brief highlights it looks like we brought on at least Kerkez, Dango, Tavernier, Solanke, and Senesi, and maybe more, so the team that finished was much stronger.
3. We all know being a pre-season friendly it doesn’t matter all that much, especially the first one. Still good to see proper football is almost back, in the post if not quite on the doorstep.
4. The whole crowd thing looked a bit odd with a large section seemingly not watching the match. Is that normal for US crowds or was it somehow weird? – To join the conversation, click here.
