AFC Bournemouth, Wrexham AFC End Exhibition with 1-1 Draw at Sold-Out Harder Stadium

Santa Barbara locals and soccer fans from far and wide filtered into Harder Stadium at UC Santa Barbara to watch an international friendly soccer match between AFC Bournemouth and Wrexham AFC on Saturday.

The fans packed the stands from shoulder to shoulder to witness a competitive match that ended in a 1-1 draw between Bournemouth and Wrexham.

“I think the atmosphere has been amazing for a friendly,” Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola said. “You can feel everyone (in) a good mood. I’m sure for the players to start the preseason like this, in a stadium that was full, is a good atmosphere.

“It’s nice to be part of it and see a lot of, in our case, Bournemouth fans.”

The majority of the first half was a quiet one, as neither offense was able to penetrate their opponents’ back lines. All of that changed in stoppage time.

In the final play before halftime, Wrexham was awarded a corner kick.

James McClean served a great cross into the box from the corner and the ball bounced off Bournemouth defender James Hill to give Wrexham a 1-0 lead.

After the halftime break, Bournemouth came out aggressive and knotted the match up at 1-1 after a bicycle kick pass by Philip found the head of Marcos Sensei, who put it in the back of the net.

From there, both clubs went back and forth on the attack, providing excitement for the 13,322 fans in attendance.

However, neither club broke the tie and the international friendly ended in a 1-1 draw.

“All the crowd were really involved in the game and I’m glad there was entertainment and chances at both ends,” Wrexham coach Phil Parkinson said. “It was great that the supporters responded to players giving their all in very hot conditions.”

Along with the buzzing fans in attendance, the match drew some big-name celebrities as well.

Michael B. Jordan was in attendance, as he is a minority owner of Bournemouth as a member of the Bill Foley-led ownership group. He also played a role in designing the kits they wore on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Wrexham co-owner and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star Rob McElhenney made an appearance to support his club.

Wrexham’s next ‘Wrex Coast Tour’ match comes on Wednesday, July 24 against Chelsea at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Bournemouth’s tour will also continue on Wednesday against Arsenal at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson.

Local soccer fans won’t have to wait long for the next professional action in town, as the Santa Barbara Sky are slated to begin play in USL League One in March