Wrexham Plays Hosts To Leeds In Tampa

Photo: Richard Strickland

Early last week Wrexham AFC beat Manchester United in Helsinki on the first game of their world tour of friendlies. This past weekend they played hosts to Leeds United in Tampa Bay, Florida. This would be Leeds first friendly of the summer. 

Wrexham’s second-leading scorer from the 2025/26 season Kieffer Moore, got the game under way in a hurry. In just the 1st minute he was able to curl one past Alex Cairns to surprise Leeds and take a quick 1-0 lead. The goal was a beautiful play that began on the opposite side of the pitch with Thomason who found space in the box for Moore, who in turn put the ball past Cairns. 

Photo: Richard Strickland

Just a few minutes later, though, a challenge from Wrexham’s goalie Okonkwo in the box would set up a penalty kick in just the 8th minute with Leeds looking to equalize it. Piroe stepped up to the spot, however Okonkwo would say not today as he would push the ball away. Piroe wouldn’t be denied though in the 29th minute when he would show off an touch just in front of goal; as he spun, he tapped the ball into the net, thus making the game 1-1.

Late in the 1st half Wrexham regained the lead off of breakaway goal from Bailey Cadamarteri who got past a sliding Leeds player, psyched out Cairns and touched the ball into the back of the net. This was Bailey’s first goal since joining the Red Dragons after 2 years with Sheffield Wednesday. 

Leeds though was not willing to go into the break down a goal. Longstaff would be the man to level it. After getting the assist earlier and making plays all over the field, you know it was just a matter of time before he would find the back of the net. After a block shot the ball found Longstaff’s feet and he faked a shot before curling it past everyone to level the match.

As the half came to a close it was anyones match as both teams showed some real promise to put the ball in the back of the net. However, it was the starting goalies who really put together an amazing effort as both of them made themselves known stoping penalties, beautiful set pieces and just great build ups. 

Both managers made a slew of changes at the half with Leeds bringing on Nmecha, Tanaka, Lucas Perrie, Bogle, Stach, and Wilson while leaving Tarik Muharemovic on the bench as he just joined the club days prior. For Wrexham they would swap all 11 by the 71st minute, giving everyone a chance to see what they can offer. 

Photo: Richard Strickland

However, in the 2nd half it felt more like a match that both sides were fine with just ending in a draw as there wasn’t much pressure through the first 39 minutes of the 2nd half. That changed in the 85th minute with Smith. Smith made a really nice move as he created separation before having a Leeds player on his pocket as he took the shot, curling it into the back of goal and making it 3-2. Leeds had a few chances in the last 10 minutes and stoppage time, but were unable to come home with anything. 

This gives Wrexham two victories over Premier teams to begin their preseason friendlies. Could this be a preview of what Wrexham will bring to the pitch this year in the English Championship League as they continue their climb to the Premier League? Wrexham is showing again that they can compete with anyone in the English Leagues, and will take on Liverpool in hopes of making it three victories over Premier teams.