A Nigerian savior in Lesley Ugochukwu rescues Chelsea from defeat to Wrexham in pre-season.
In Santa Clara, Wrexham persevered against Chelsea despite losing the first half to a goal by Christopher Nkunku, which was understandable.
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Enzo Maresca may not have anticipated such a fast-paced start for the first of six preseason friendlies, five of which will be played in the USA, but it only took two minutes for Levi Colwill to get angry at James McClean for a late challenge, sparking an unfriendly pile-on between the two teams.
![Lesley Ugochukwu: Chelsea star celebrates 20th birthday with Nigerian parents](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/26032024/03f5b503-646f-4f91-a655-f4051fe15ec6.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
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Chelsea 2-2 Wrexham
However, Chelsea in their new home jersey quickly appeared to be in better shape as they moved the ball around energetically and deftly, as seen by captain Reece James's shift into central midfield when in possession.
![A Nigerian savior in Lesley Ugochukwu rescues Chelsea from defeat to Wrexham in pre-season.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/25072024/93e479a9-7b5b-4e45-9630-a5b8ef1778ac.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
The best way to create chances was through set plays, and on minute 38, Tyrique George, moved onto his right foot and struck a shot that struck the huddle of players and fell for Christopher Nkunku to score for Chelsea.
During the first half, Romeo Lavia and James made their injury comebacks.
Wesley Fofana made his way back into the starting lineup after the break, while other players that came on included Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja, and Lucas Bergstrom.
![A Nigerian savior in Lesley Ugochukwu rescues Chelsea from defeat to Wrexham in pre-season.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/25072024/c93b22e4-ef3c-4976-860c-2cd9306f9da5.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
After 58 minutes, against the flow of play, Sterling put the Wrexham goalkeeper to the test with a close range shot.
After dodging several defenders, a low cross from the left found Luke Bolton, who finished at the far post.
Ugochukwu saves Chelsea
After some nimble pushing to win the ball back, Marriott was given far too much time and space by Wrexham to shock Chelsea on the 71st minute, when he finished well to beat Bergstrom in the bottom corner.
Lesley Ugochukwu' who was born to Nigerian parents had a cool finish that helped Chelsea mount a late comeback and tie the game.
![A Nigerian savior in Lesley Ugochukwu rescues Chelsea from defeat to Wrexham in pre-season.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/25072024/099fc041-a05f-4de1-8398-e13e9627cdf9.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Wrexham on the other hand was forced to settle for a second straight friendly draw against Premier League opponents.
On Saturday, Chelsea will travel to Notre Dame to play Celtic.
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