Norwich City: Bradley Johnson, Gary Hooper, Bennett reunite
Three former Norwich City stars’ attempts to win Wrexham $1million fell short as they were beaten in the last 16 of the TST seven-a-side tournament.
Elliott Bennett, Gary Hooper and Bradley Johnson all turned out for the Wrexham Red Dragons in Cary, North Carolina, where the unique format has taken place this week.
Not only are teams required to win the game with a goal, the victors the first to score one more than the leading team at full-time, but they lose a player every three minutes after the end of the 40-minute main section.
Hooper’s goal in Wrexham’s group stage opener couldn’t prevent a 4-2 loss to Roha Eagles, although he set up the winner in the ensuing 1-0 win over Saturdays Football.
Former Burnley man George Boyd then took centre stage with a brace as a 3-2 defeat of Desimpedidos secured the Welsh side’s passage to the knockout rounds, where they were comfortable in their first outing.
Bennett scored a double of his own in a 6-0 win over Socceroof, and even goalkeeper Mark Howard got in on the act for a second consecutive game.
They were soundly beaten when they met Reggae Rovers, however, losing 5-1 to exit the tournament and end their chances of securing the prize money.
Bennett said via his X account after the tournament: “The $1M dream is over, but just want to thank everyone at TST and Wrexham AFC for the opportunity to play in such an incredible tournament! Amazing people and a fantastic experience. This tournament is only going one way.
“Incredible tournament, unbelievable memories, and the chance for players like myself in the 11v11 format to face off against 7v7 , 5v5 & 1v1 specialists! Bringing the game in its entirety to one place for $1M. It has been my
