Wrexham Edge Leeds United 3-2 After Sam Smith’s Late Strike in Tampa

Wrexham secured a 3-2 victory over Leeds United in Florida following goals from Kieffer Moore, Bailey Cadamarteri, and a late winner by Sam Smith.

Sam Smith’s late clinical finish secured a 3-2 victory for Wrexham over Premier League side Leeds United at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday. The result in Tampa, Florida, marks a second consecutive preseason win against top-flight English opposition for Phil Parkinson’s squad, following their previous triumph over Manchester United in Helsinki. The scoring opened just 32 seconds into the match when new signing Kieffer Moore curled a shot into the net before the Leeds United players had registered a single touch of the ball.

Leeds United leveled the score midway through the first half when Joël Piroe utilized an improvised backheel finish to beat the Wrexham defense. The Welsh side regained the lead shortly after as Bailey Cadamarteri sprinted clear from the halfway line to slot the ball past the goalkeeper, marking his first goal for the club. Before the halftime whistle, Sean Longstaff equalized for Daniel Farke’s side, firing a strike into the top corner to conclude a first half that ended 2-2.

Smith Decides Humid Florida Clash

The second half at Raymond James Stadium was characterized by difficult, humid weather conditions that impacted the pace of play. While Leeds United maintained the majority of ball possession throughout the final 45 minutes, Wrexham focused on a resolute defensive structure and counterattacking opportunities. The decisive breakthrough occurred late in the second half when Davis Keillor-Dunn provided the assist, releasing Sam Smith for a run that ended with a cool finish to make it 3-2.

Leeds United attempted to find a third equalizer in the closing stages of the match. Debutant Harry Wilson came closest to scoring for the Premier League outfit, but his curling effort from inside the penalty area rose over the crossbar. Daniel Farke’s men were unable to breach the Wrexham backline again before the final whistle.

Parkinson Reflects on Physical Demands

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson described the win as a "feather in our cap," noting the significance of defeating Premier League competition regardless of the preseason context. Parkinson emphasized the physical toll of the match, stating that the lads acquitted themselves well during what he termed a "really good workout." He noted that the intensity of the humidity in Tampa was a factor that had to be experienced firsthand to be fully understood.

Upcoming U.S. Tour Fixtures

Wrexham will travel to New York to continue their United States tour, facing Liverpool at Yankee Stadium this coming Wednesday. Leeds United will remain in the U.S. to prepare for their next fixture against Sunderland, which is scheduled to take place in New Jersey on Friday. The victory provides Wrexham with significant momentum as they move from Florida to the Northeast for their high-profile meeting with the Reds.