Wrexham end US tour as final game takes over four hours to complete
Wrexham saw their tour of the USA come to an unfortunate conclusion as heavy rain saw their clash with Philadelphia Union II take over FOUR HOURS to complete.
A heatwave greeted the Red Dragons as they arrived in Rob McElhenney's hometown to take on Philadelphia Union II. The game kicked off at 7:30pm local time yet a huge thunderstorm hit moments before the second half got underway.
The teams were off the field for well over two hours. The game eventually resumed just before 11pm and finished at 11:45pm, some four hours and 15 minutes after it got underway. After the long delay, those who stuck around to see the second 45 minutes didn't even see any other goals as the game ended 1-1.
After a cagey start, Wrexham grew into the game and had the better of the action. They had a goal chalked off before Tom O'Connor opened the scoring with a smart strike through a crowd of bodies inside the box.
At that stage, it looked like the visitors would kick-on. The home team equalised shortly before the break as a Jeremy Rafanello fired a free-kick that deflected in beyond the wrong-footed Ben Foster.
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The storm warning then arrived around 8:40pm. Fans were told to leave the stands for shelter as a torrential downpour then struck Subaru Park along with huge flashes of lightning and bangs of thunder.
Fans were in good spirits as Wrexham's travelling support and adopted American fans sang in the concourses. Understandably, most made their way out of the stadium before the game resumed as there looked little chance of action resuming.
Wrexham saw their game against Philadelphia Union II delayed due to the weather (Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)Whilst they were able to finish the game, those who stayed saw no further goals in the second half. However, Wrexham made 11 changes at the break meaning useful minutes for 22 members of the squad.
It marked a frustrating end to Wrexham's trip to the United States. Their opening game ended in a 5-0 defeat against a strong Chelsea side. They bounced back by beating LA Galaxy II by a 4-0 scoreline in their second game.
They then beat a young Manchester United side but the game was overshadowed by Paul Mullin suffering a punctured lung. His collision with Nathan Bishop sparked outrage from Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson immediately after the game, but co-owner Ryan Reynolds has since reached out to thank the young goalkeeper for his handling of the situation.
The game against Philadelphia Union II back. on the east coast marked a chance to head back to the UK with a win before beginning their Football League season. But it wasn't to be as the weather had other ideas.
Wrexham host MK Dons on Saturday, August 5 in their League Two opener.
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