CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 2: Nordi Mukiele #20 of Sunderland AFC celebrates with teammate Chris Rigg #11 after scoring the first goal in the first half of the pre-season friendly against Wrexham AFC at Subaru Park on August 2, 2026 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesCiaran McKenna saysSunderland end their Stateside trip on a positive noteAnother good test to round up our US tour and finally one where we are on the right side of the result.We controlled the game well and looked sharper both in and out of possession, with some nice passing moves creating chances and space. Promising signs all over.Brian Brobbey makes his markBrobbey was terrific of course, up against lesser opposition, but you cant take that away from him.Lars Knutsen saysA good run outA competitive match with the back four doing well.Wrexham had a goal disallowed after we went ahead and it was an outstanding flick from Brobbey for Mukiele to score. He took his goal really well, no complaints there.Sunderland deal with the absence of key playersOverall, we didnt miss the creative input of Enzo Le Fe and Granit Xhaka as much as I expected.The midfield combinations did surprisingly well, and I reckon Rgis Le Bris will be happywe won?Question marks over several fringe players?We made a lot of changes on sixty three minutes and later in the game.I can see the point of blooding the academy boys such as Tom Proctor and Jack Whitaker, as we may need some of them for the Europa League squad as UK-based youth products.However, why persist with Jenson Seelt, Alan Browne and Leo Hjelde, unless Le Bris knows something we dont? These three players looked confident and played quite well, despite everything.Well learn more once weve completed our summer transfer activity and announce our European squad.Seeing Parkys facePhil Parkinson managed us during COVID and brought a lot of misery during a rough low point for our club.He was interviewed on a big screen and made me happy that we had won, but a little PTSD emerged.My personal verdictA decent game, given the number of absentees and it was a solid performance from the Lads.The atmosphere with a lot of showbiz Wrexham fans in the 16,000 crowd brought out the fighting instincts in our team. Luke ONien was outstanding and I was happy to see Le Fe jogging around with one of our coaches after the game.Lee Morrison saysSunderland show some encouraging sharpnessAs weve seen with other Premier League teams against Championship opposition, the gap in quality hasnt been as wide as some might think, with Championship teams at least a week ahead when it comes to pre-season preparation.Being perfectly honest, I was expecting to see that difference in action, but this couldnt have been further from the case as the Lads looked very sharp throughout and there was a clear difference in quality.I dont believe that results hold much influence in pre-season but it was brilliant to get a win.More senior players returnIt was superb to see Robin Roefs back in goal for us.The World Cup creates an interesting challenge in terms of squad readiness as they return back to domestic football. However, like many others, Ive been delighted with how Rgis Le Bris has managed the minutes of key members of the squad and Im looking forward to seeing how Roefs gets on in the next games before the season opener to Ipswich.Thats without even mentioning the prospect of Granit Xhaka and Chemsdine Talbi returning, to name a couple!League One PTSD strikes!Whilst its clear to see that Phil Parkinson has done a brilliant job at Wrexham, saving them from footballing obscurity/oblivion, that doesnt mean that I enjoy seeing his face.Seeing Phil Parkinson on a touchline and George Dobson in the middle of the pitch is a brutal reminder of grim, grim times. Perhaps, if you find yourself in a position where youre complaining about our midfield, take a second to remember just how horrendous it was only a few years agoSome notable absencesA key highlight of this pre-season campaign has been watching Enzo Le Fe and admiring the partnerships that hes been developing, most notably with Chris Rigg.It was disappointing to see that hed picked up a knock and missed this game, but lets hope it isnt anything too serious and that hell be back in action shortly, as I feel that hell be playing a massive role this season.Mark Ryan saysNordi catches the eyeMukiele is so good on the right and the first half had me recanting my desire for him to play centre back.Anthony Patterson gets some game timeIt was nice to see Patto possibly for one last time.Hopefully he gets a good move for both himself and the club soon.Romaine Mundle finds the going toughMundle again had a great opportunity and did nothing with it.Hes getting a look and doing nothing with it.And finallyI wouldve loved to have seen some more goals on the trip, but thats probably being too picky.Wadey saysSome good Sunderland attacking playReally enjoyed some aggressive third man runs.It happened a number of times and gave us Nordi Mukieles goal.Anthony Patterson does his cause no harm!Really pleased to see Patterson on in the second half I did wonder if wed ever see him again!A tricky outing for Romaine MundleI was a bit disappointed with Mundle in the first half.He didnt really look threatening other than one ball into the box. ngulo was far busier trying to beat his man when he came on.Nordi Mukiele exits earlyMukiele looked as if he may be injured when he came off.That would be a worry so hopefully hes OK.