Ex-MLS Star Set to Join Wrexham for $1 Million US Venture, Reviving Ryan Reynolds’ Last Year’s Missed Opportunity

As Wrexham AFC wraps up its season, attention shifts to some exciting endeavors. More than the new domestic season, anticipation brews for The Soccer Tournament (TST). With a million dollars at stake, the Welsh club is preparing to send its formidable Wrexham Red Dragons team to the United States. While some fresh faces are expected to make a debut in the tournament, former MLS star Roger Espinoza enters the fray to bolster Ryan Reynolds’ side, having missed an opportunity in the previous season. 

The news broke after the soon-to-be League One side released a full roster for the upcoming 7-a-side tournament. Espinoza, an FA Cup winner with Wigan in 2013, has made more than 200 appearances for Sporting Kansas City over the span of five years since signing for the MLS club in 2008. Interestingly, Espinoza is not alone in making a debut in the TST.

Wrexham’s first-team players, Aaron James and Jake Bickerstaff, along with 36-year-old Barnet FC forward Gary Hooper, are embarking on their inaugural journey to Cary, North Carolina. Joining them are Bob Clark Academy Player of the Season, Harry Ashfield, alongside teammates Callum Edwards and Liam Hall, all set for their debut in TST action.

In a familiar twist, former Premier League standout George Boyd, whose ‘Target Score Time’ winner electrified last year’s tournament in Wrexham’s opening clash against Como 1907, returns as a guest player. Also making a comeback are first-team coach David Jones, doubling as player-manager, goalkeeper Mark Howard, promising defender Scott Butler, and midfielder Dan Jarvis, ready to once again grace the tournament stage.

However, the list isn’t final as Wrexham announced that the confirmation of the remaining players joining the squad will be provided in due time. Till then, let’s take a look at Wrexham’s potential opponents.

Wrexham Red Dragons are bound to face some interesting teams in TST 2024

Following its groundbreaking debut last year, TST 2024 is set to expand its roster from 32 to 48 teams, which makes it an even more exhilarating competition. Among the notable opponents, Wrexham could face German powerhouses Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, while Premier League representation comes courtesy of Burnley FC. Hailing from La Liga, Villarreal adds an international flair to the mix.

Meanwhile, the USL brings North Carolina FC into the fold, with soccer icons Sergio Aguero and Luis Nani leading their respective teams, Aguero Team, and Nani FC, ensuring an array of thrilling matchups. The rest includes a diverse range of teams that are set to compete in the TST 2024. Certainly, the tournament promises to be quite entertaining, but can Wrexham go all the way to take $1 million at home? Only time will tell.