Soccer

Photos: Chelsea FC defeats Wrexham AFC in long-awaited match at UNC’s Kenan Stadium

By Ethan Hyman and Robert Willett
Chelsea’s Bashir Humphreys heads the ball during the first half of Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham F.C. at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Chelsea’s Bashir Humphreys heads the ball during the first half of Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham F.C. at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Chelsea FC defeated Wrexham AFC 5-0 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina Wednesday night — the first time an international game has been held at UNC’s Kenan Stadium.

The sold-out match, part of the 2023 FC Series, was the first between the Red Dragons and the Blues since 1984. And both teams brought their legions of fans to the stadium normally reserved for Tar Heel football games.

Chelsea has won the FA Cup eight times. Wrexham, who has won the FA Cup once, is owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and has gained fans across the pond, thanks to the FX docuseries, “Welcome to Wrexham.”

Here are photos from the match on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku (45) scores on Wrexham goalie Rob Lainton (1) to take a 4-0 lead in the second half during their FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku (45) scores on Wrexham goalie Rob Lainton (1) to take a 4-0 lead in the second half during their FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Chelsea’s Bashir Humphreys heads the ball during the first half of Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham F.C. at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Chelsea’s Bashir Humphreys heads the ball during the first half of Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham F.C. at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei (40) controls the ball at midfield during the first half against Wrexham, during their FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei (40) controls the ball at midfield during the first half against Wrexham, during their FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Chris Mathews of Norfolk, Va. shows this support for Chelsea after a goal by Chelsea’s Ben Chilwel in the second half of their FC Series game against Wrexham on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Chris Mathews of Norfolk, Va. shows this support for Chelsea after a goal by Chelsea’s Ben Chilwel in the second half of their FC Series game against Wrexham on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Chelsea’s Lewis Hall, left, battles Wrexham’s Billy Waters during the second half of Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Chelsea’s Lewis Hall, left, battles Wrexham’s Billy Waters during the second half of Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Chelsea fans cheer on the team before Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham AFC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Chelsea fans cheer on the team before Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham AFC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Chelsea’s Elliot Lee (38) tries to score with a bicycle kick against Wrexham in the first half during the FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Chelsea’s Elliot Lee (38) tries to score with a bicycle kick against Wrexham in the first half during the FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Chelsea’s Trevor Chalobah works to score against Wrexham in the first half of their FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Chelsea’s Trevor Chalobah works to score against Wrexham in the first half of their FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster takes a selfie late in the second half of Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster takes a selfie late in the second half of Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, right, battles Wrexham’s Ollie Palmer for a header during the second half of Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, right, battles Wrexham’s Ollie Palmer for a header during the second half of Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Chelsea fans celebrate a goal during the second half of Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Chelsea fans celebrate a goal during the second half of Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Chelsea’s Bashir Humphreys tries to score on Wrexham in the first half of their FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Chelsea’s Bashir Humphreys tries to score on Wrexham in the first half of their FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Chelsea’s Diego Moreira Jr. (42) battles with Wrexham’s Tom O’Connor (22) in the first half during their FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Chelsea’s Diego Moreira Jr. (42) battles with Wrexham’s Tom O’Connor (22) in the first half during their FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Chelsea Football Club plays against against Wrexham F.C. in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Chelsea Football Club plays against against Wrexham F.C. in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist (46) tries to slow down Wrexham’s Ollie Palmer during the second half of Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist (46) tries to slow down Wrexham’s Ollie Palmer during the second half of Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku (45) scores on Wrexham goalie Rob Lainton (1) to take a 4-0 lead in the second half during their FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku (45) scores on Wrexham goalie Rob Lainton (1) to take a 4-0 lead in the second half during their FC Series game on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Wrexham’s Ben Foster makes a save during the first half of Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham AFC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Wrexham’s Ben Foster makes a save during the first half of Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham AFC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen celebrates after scoring during the first half of Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham F.C. at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen celebrates after scoring during the first half of Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham F.C. at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Sarah Stephen, left, from Charlotte, and Jordynne Godsey of McDonough, Georgia celebrate after Chelsea scored during the first half of Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham F.C. at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The two came just to see the game.
Sarah Stephen, left, from Charlotte, and Jordynne Godsey of McDonough, Georgia celebrate after Chelsea scored during the first half of Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham F.C. at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The two came just to see the game. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Fans try to get the autograph of Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell after Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Fans try to get the autograph of Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell after Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Wrexham’s Eoghan O’Connell (15) controls a header over Chelsea during the first half of the FC Series game against Chelsea on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Wrexham’s Eoghan O’Connell (15) controls a header over Chelsea during the first half of the FC Series game against Chelsea on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
UNC basketball coach Hubert Davis talks with football coach Mack Brown after Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
UNC basketball coach Hubert Davis talks with football coach Mack Brown after Chelsea Football Club’s 5-0 victory over Wrexham AFC in a friendly match at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Chelsea and Wrexham players line up before Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham AFC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Chelsea and Wrexham players line up before Chelsea Football Club’s friendly match against Wrexham AFC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Jack Fielder of Grand Rapids, Michigan waits for the start of the FC Series game between Chelsea and Wrexham on Wednesday, July 19, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Jack Fielder of Grand Rapids, Michigan waits for the start of the FC Series game between Chelsea and Wrexham on Wednesday, July 19, in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Ten-year-old Peyton Ellis of State College Pa. Does cartwheels as she waits for the start of the FC Series game between Chelsea and Wrexham on Wednesday, July 19, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Ten-year-old Peyton Ellis of State College Pa. Does cartwheels as she waits for the start of the FC Series game between Chelsea and Wrexham on Wednesday, July 19, in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Wrexham players enter Kenan Stadium for pre-game warm up prior to the FC Series game against Chelsea on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Wrexham players enter Kenan Stadium for pre-game warm up prior to the FC Series game against Chelsea on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Sara Chipam sets up the t-shirt sales area before Chelsea FC’s international friendly match against Wrexham FC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Sara Chipam sets up the t-shirt sales area before Chelsea FC’s international friendly match against Wrexham FC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
The University of North Carolina Turf Management team waters the field prior to the FC Series game between Chelsea and Wrexham on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Kenan Stadium inn Chapel Hill, N.C.
The University of North Carolina Turf Management team waters the field prior to the FC Series game between Chelsea and Wrexham on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Kenan Stadium inn Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster acknowledges fans as he walks across the turf with his camera prior to their match against Chelsea on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Kenan Stadium inn Chapel Hill, N.C.
Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster acknowledges fans as he walks across the turf with his camera prior to their match against Chelsea on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Kenan Stadium inn Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster take selfies and signs autographs for fans prior to their match against Chelsea on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster take selfies and signs autographs for fans prior to their match against Chelsea on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Fans line up to buy merchandise before Chelsea FC’s international friendly match against Wrexham FC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Fans line up to buy merchandise before Chelsea FC’s international friendly match against Wrexham FC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Soccer fans take their seats behind the goal in the Blue Zone of Kenan Stadium for the FC Series game between Chelsea and Wrexham on Wednesday, July 19, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Soccer fans take their seats behind the goal in the Blue Zone of Kenan Stadium for the FC Series game between Chelsea and Wrexham on Wednesday, July 19, in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Alec McFalls, 12, of Charleston, SC waits to get into Kenan Stadium before Chelsea FC’s international friendly match against Wrexham FC in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Alec McFalls, 12, of Charleston, SC waits to get into Kenan Stadium before Chelsea FC’s international friendly match against Wrexham FC in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Fans line up to get into Kenan Stadium before Chelsea FC’s international friendly match against Wrexham FC in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Fans line up to get into Kenan Stadium before Chelsea FC’s international friendly match against Wrexham FC in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published July 19, 2023 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Photos: Chelsea FC defeats Wrexham AFC in long-awaited match at UNC’s Kenan Stadium."

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