Wrexham A.F.C. opened their three-game tour of the United States with a 3-2 win over Leeds United in Tampa on 26 July 2026. Goals from Kieffer Moore, Bailey Cadamarteri and Sam Smith sealed the victory, with Smith’s winner coming just a week after his strike against Manchester United in Helsinki.
What happened in Tampa?
Wrexham never trailed against Daniel Farke’s Premier League side in Florida. Moore put the Reds ahead inside the first minute, setting the tone for a dominant start. Cadamarteri doubled the lead with a burst of pace and power, rounding off a move that showcased his ability to take on top-flight defenders. Smith then added the third, extending his scoring streak in pre-season friendlies.
Phil Parkinson told the club’s website: “Obviously pleased. A really good work-out. Very humid conditions, you’ve almost got to be here to understand how tough it was. But I thought the lads acquitted themselves really well.” The manager singled out Cadamarteri’s performance, calling it “what he’s all about - power and pace to burst past Premiership standard players and then have the calmness to finish.”
Why it matters for Wrexham A.F.C.
The win follows a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Helsinki just seven days earlier, marking a strong start to pre-season for the Championship side. Wrexham sit 7th in the Championship with 71 points from 46 games last season, 24 points behind leaders Coventry. Their recent form reads DLWWL, while they’ve scored 69 goals and conceded 65, holding a +4 goal difference.
Parkinson’s side showed resilience after conceding twice in the first half, responding with a third goal in the second period. The assist from Davis Keillor-Dunn set up Smith, whose composure in front of goal remains a key asset. “He’s clinical in those situations and it was a great moment to win us the game,” Parkinson added.
What comes next?
Wrexham face Liverpool in their next pre-season clash at New York’s Yankee Stadium on 27 July 2026, kicking off at 12.30am. The tour concludes against Sunderland in Philadelphia next Sunday. Parkinson will now review the data and pick his strongest XI for Wednesday’s pre-season fixture, with the squad fresh from two high-quality performances against top-flight opposition.
With the new season yet to start, Wrexham A.F.C. sit 7th in the Championship, 24 points behind Coventry, having scored 69 goals and conceded 65 last season.
