Manager Phil Parkinson was delighted his Wrexham side responded after half-time against LA Galaxy II, as four second-half goals earned a 4-0 win – the Red Dragons’ first of the US Tour.
The game was goalless at the break, after Elliot Lee had a spectacular overhead kick ruled out by the linesman’s flag in the 23rd minute.
But after the break, Wrexham found another level and were rewarded for their improved showing with Andy Cannon, Elliot Lee, Paul Mullin and Anthony Forde all getting on the scoresheet.
And Parkinson admitted the hosts’ technical ability had served as a wake-up call for the Red Dragons to lift standards.
“I think the (LA Galaxy II) youngsters did well,” Parkinson explained. “They caught us a bit by surprise as their technical ability was excellent and it gave us a bit of a wake-up call in the first half.
“From our point of view we needed to be better, even in pre season you get little wake-up calls about standards.
“We had a chat at half time, went out in the second half and we were excellent. We had more intensity in our pressing, sharper with the ball, and we understood how we are going to create chances.
“In the first half we were trying to force opportunities, instead of waiting for the moment and getting that extra pass in like we did in the second half.”
Parkinson was also delighted by the response of the partisan crowd to the touring Wrexham side, with the Red Dragons enjoying a vocal backing throughout.
“All in all, it was a good workout for us,” the manager added. “It’s a fantastic stadium, a great arena and we’ve been welcomed so well by everyone here. We’re pleased we got some goals in the second half.
“I think the lads have been surprised with how much interest there has been in the club. It’s been fantastic for us, it really has.
“It’s surprised us a bit, but it’s been great, not just the level of interest but the detail of that interest too.”
Next up for Wrexham is a trip to San Diego to face Manchester United, in what Parkinson expects will be a tough test against the Red Devils.
“Manchester United will dominate possession as they are a fantastic team. Even if they won’t be playing their main team, their periphery players are outstanding and are internationals,” he explained.
“It will be a great exercise for us in working out of possession and being disciplined. We’re playing against a good team and need to be at our best. I think the balance for us is getting minutes in as many of the players as possible.
“Other players will start the game, as we need to make sure that as many get back ready for the season as close to peak fitness as possible.”
