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Wrexham tasted defeat for the first time this preseason, falling 1–0 to Liverpool in New York on Wednesday evening.
Phil Parkinson's men put in another respectable showing against top-flight opposition but were edged out by a deflected strike from Rio Ngumoha.
The Red Dragons will round off their preseason schedule against Sunderland this weekend, with Parkinson also eyeing the Carabao Cup first-round clash against Middlesbrough as a further chance to fine-tune his squad ahead of the new Championship campaign.
With the season fast approaching, time is running short before Wrexham launch another bid for Premier League promotion. Here are five takeaways from their latest preseason outing.
A Different Type of Test
Wrexham may have come away empty-handed, but Parkinson will still find plenty of encouragement in his side's display against Liverpool. After enduring their worst defensive season since dropping out of the Football League in 2008, shoring up at the back has become a top priority if they are to mount a serious Championship title challenge.
Despite making seven changes from the team that beat Leeds United in Tampa, Wrexham held their own against the toughest opposition they've faced this summer and were only undone by a late deflected goal. Zak Vyner again impressed in his favored center back berth, while Dan Scarr delivered another authoritative performance at the heart of the backline.
Liverpool found themselves frustrated for extended spells and were largely restricted to long-range attempts, with the decisive goal arriving only after Wrexham's first-choice back three had been withdrawn shortly after the hour. Having already kept clean sheets against Wisła Kraków and Manchester United this summer, the defensive unit is beginning to look considerably more reliable.
Solid Foundations
Parkinson has rotated his squad extensively throughout preseason, but it is becoming clearer that he is homing in on his preferred starting eleven ahead of the new campaign. While much of the focus fell on the players introduced against Liverpool, there was also plenty to take from those who kept their spots.
Vyner had never featured in defense for Wrexham prior to this summer, having initially been deployed as a defensive midfielder after joining from Bristol City in January. He now looks set to be a cornerstone of the back three, meaning fan favorite Max Cleworth may face a real fight to reclaim his starting berth — exactly the kind of internal competition Parkinson is looking to foster.
Matty James and Lewis O'Brien appear to have cemented themselves as the first-choice central midfield duo, with O'Brien growing increasingly assured in the role. It was also worth noting that George Thomason retained his place, with the makeshift wingback again preferred to Liberato Cacace on the left side.
What Next for Okonkwo?
Questions continue to hang over Wrexham's goalkeeping situation as the new season draws near. Arthur Okonkwo started against Leeds United in Tampa with Danny Ward absent from the squad, while Ward was handed the gloves against Liverpool as Okonkwo was left out of the New York matchday squad entirely.
Okonkwo remains the preferred option for many fans, but having been dropped for the final four games of last season, he does not appear to have fully won back Parkinson's confidence. Reports emerged this week linking the 24-year-old with a switch to Derby County, though Sports Illustrated understands those claims have no substance.
Regardless of what lies ahead, Okonkwo is entering the final year of his contract and has yet to be offered an extension — hardly a vote of confidence. With Wrexham still pursuing an additional goalkeeper this summer, the prospect of him being handed a new deal looks increasingly remote.
Missed Opportunities
Preseason is a chance for players to stake their claim, yet several Wrexham players have struggled to take advantage. That has been most apparent in attacking midfield, where Ollie Rathbone and Davis Keillor-Dunn once again failed to leave a mark against Liverpool.
Among those deployed in attacking midfield this summer, Bailey Cadamarteri has been the most impressive — and even he is a striker playing out of his natural position. Nathan Broadhead has shown glimpses of his quality but is still searching for a standout preseason display, leaving the attacking midfield roles very much up for grabs ahead of the Championship opener.
Josh Windass has yet to feature for a single minute this preseason due to injury, but paradoxically, his absence has only underlined how crucial he is to the team. The lack of a natural competitor for his position has highlighted his value, and on current evidence, Wrexham will need him to reproduce his Player of the Season form if they are to push for promotion.
A Change of Plans?
Wrexham are still seeking to add a center back this summer but missed out on Matías Moreno after the defender chose to join Serie A outfit Venezia. The club are not believed to view this as a significant blow, however, as Sports Illustrated understands he was never their primary target for that position.
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The Red Dragons still plan to bolster their squad before the transfer window closes, with any new arrival likely to prompt at least one exit. Conor Coady was omitted from the U.S. tour party and is expected to depart on loan, while Scarr had also been widely tipped to move on. Given his performances this summer, that outcome would seem difficult to justify.
The 31-year-old has been among Wrexham's most consistent performers throughout preseason and produced another strong display against Liverpool. He has seldom let the club down since joining two years ago, though there is an understanding that he currently fills more of a squad role and may seek a move to secure regular first-team football. From Wrexham's standpoint, however, this may not be the ideal moment to let him leave.