Wrexham’s FA Cup Dreams End
This afternoon, Wrexham AFC went down to Championship-leading side Sheffield United 3-1 away at Bramall Lane. The match was competitive for most of the game, but the turning point was at the 71-minute mark.
After a scoreless first half in which Sheffield United controlled most of the possession and dictated most of the chances, Sheffield broke through early in the second half. Anel Ahmedhodzic’s opener slotted into the top right corner of the net seemed like it was the end of the match. Fortune followed the club closely.
As Sheffield was on the defensive, Ahmedhodzic committed a foul on Wrexham striker Paul Mullin right outside the box. The referee determined that the contact continued into the penalty box. Therefore, Wrexham was awarded a penalty kick by the referee. Mullin managed to slot the penalty kick home and tied the game 1-1.
Another opportunity for a penalty kick arose later in the match. Paul Mullin stood at the center of the box in the 71st minute with the chance to put Wrexham ahead. Mullin’s penalty kick was turned away by goalkeeper Nick Davies. Wrexham supporters would have to wait for the result of this replay.
Missing the penalty was the beginning of the wheels coming off. As stoppage time neared, and the thought of penalty kicks crept into the stadium, Sheffield United showed why they have ranked 72 spots ahead of Wrexham AFC and netted two stoppage time goals that put Wrexham’s dreams to bed for good.
While the club will not continue onto the fifth round of the FA Cup, they left their fans with a powerful memory and hope for the future.
Rest of the Season Goals for Wrexham
For the rest of 2023, the soccer club’s goal is to win the National League. If they can hold on and clinch the top spot in the table, they’ll be eligible to move on to League Two. The clubs fans hope they’ll net the top spot and avoid having to play any type of knockout games to secure promotion.
A Summer Opportunity for Wrexham AFC
As the club has built up more of an American following because of their Hollywood movie star owners, Wrexham AFC will be involved in The Soccer Tournament. Started by the founders of the Basketball Tournament, it’s a 1 million dollar, winner-takes-all, seven-on-seven soccer tournament that will be played this summer in North Carolina.
Much like the basketball version, the tournament will feature several teams of former and current professional players. There will be teams of USMNT and USWNT players and former MLS players teams. Regardless of the outcome, the publicity that the club will generate from attending this tournament will benefit the club’s visibility.
