Both Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten made their debuts instantly for Middlesbrough, with the former assisting on the only goal of the game in their win over Wrexham in the first round of the EFL Cup.
Middlesbrough 1-0 Wrexham
A second-half goal ensured Middlesbrough’s passage to the second round of the EFL Cup with a win over Hollywood-backed Wrexham at the Riverside Stadium.
There were immediate starts for both Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten, with the midfielder completing 79 percent passing, making four key passes, winning four duels, and making five recoveries in the entire game. The left-back completed 85 percent passing, won ten duels, and made four tackles in 67 minutes. Aidan Morris was ruled out of the game due to a thigh injury.
Neither side could find a goal in the first half, as chances could not be converted.
However, the breakthrough came in the 61st minute for the hosts when Berhalter met a cross from Jeremy Sarmiento to head into the path of Will Lankshear to send his volley into the back of the net.
Boro will now turn its attention to league action in the coming weekend with the opener against Lincoln City.
Note:
George Campbell started for West Bromwich Albion as they came away with a 4-1 win over Rotherham to advance.
