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Wrexham kept their preseason unbeaten run intact with a 3–2 win against Leeds United in the first game of their U.S. tour.
Phil Parkinson continued developing his squad's fitness with extended playing time in the Florida heat, as goals from Kieffer Moore, Bailey Cadamarteri and Sam Smith delivered another impressive result.
The Red Dragons coped well with the tough conditions and demonstrated real resilience as Leeds pulled level twice before Wrexham struck a late winner.
It was another positive step toward the new Championship season, with Wrexham recording their second win over Premier League opposition this summer.
Here are five takeaways from Saturday's victory in Tampa.
January Signing Shines
There was considerable uncertainty surrounding Bailey Cadamarteri heading into preseason, but he has responded to those doubts in emphatic fashion.
The 21-year-old managed just 46 league minutes following his $1.4 million arrival from Sheffield Wednesday in January, leaving many fans questioning why Wrexham had brought him in and what his future role would be. Though primarily a striker, Cadamarteri has thrived in an attacking midfield position this summer, and his display against Leeds was his finest to date.
Given 71 minutes on the pitch in Tampa, Cadamarteri capped another high-energy performance with a composed finish for his first unofficial Wrexham goal. He is playing with great confidence, and even away from his natural position, he has arguably been Wrexham's most impressive attacking midfielder throughout preseason.
A New Starter Emerges
It seemed a foregone conclusion that Liberato Cacace would walk straight back into Wrexham's starting eleven after his standout World Cup campaign with New Zealand. The 25-year-old made only 13 appearances in his debut season due to injury but consistently caught the eye whenever he played on the left flank.
His biggest obstacle now is not his fitness—it's George Thomason.
Thomason has been exceptional since being shifted into a left wingback role against Sheffield United on Boxing Day, when he announced his arrival with three assists. At the time, the switch felt like a short-term solution. It now looks like a genuine permanent option.
Half a season on, Thomason looks entirely at home in the position and could start the Championship campaign as Parkinson's preferred left wingback. His form has even prompted suggestions that Wrexham may not need to recruit in that area at all this summer.
A Welcome Selection Dilemma
Parkinson faces an enviable headache when it comes to selecting his lead striker.
Kieffer Moore broke the deadlock against Leeds, Sam Smith grabbed the winner, and Cadamarteri also got his name on the scoresheet as Wrexham's attacking depth continued to impress.
The Red Dragons may still be in the market for a top-tier Championship striker, but they already have two seasoned forwards with different strengths who have both shone throughout preseason. While Wrexham would still welcome reinforcements up front, there is now less pressure to secure a deal before the competitive season kicks off.
There were spells last season when Parkinson seemed hesitant to turn to his attacking substitutes to influence matches. Moore and Smith have demonstrated this summer that either is capable of troubling Championship—and even Premier League—defenses.
Wrexham Are Massive
Even given everything the club has accomplished in recent years, Wrexham's fanbase in the United States continues to be extraordinary.
Thousands of supporters filled Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, with many making the journey from all corners of the country to see the Red Dragons on their latest American tour.
Attracting over 20,000 fans to a preseason friendly so shortly after the World Cup was a feat in itself. Even more striking was that the vast majority appeared to be there to support Wrexham rather than Leeds United.
The Wrexham players were given rock-star treatment throughout the evening, with Ollie Rathbone among the most popular figures with the crowd. It was also Wrexham Is the Name, not Leeds' Marching On Together, that rang around the stadium as the teams emerged before kickoff.
Wrexham's appeal in America is no passing trend. It has grown into something far greater than anyone could have imagined.
The Big Issue
There have been far more positives than negatives this preseason, but one concern continues to stand out: right wingback.
Having opted against making Issa Kaboré's loan from Manchester City permanent, Wrexham still lack a clear first-choice option on that side.
Natural center back Aaron James filled the role against Leeds before Ryan Longman came on to replace him at halftime. Ryan Barnett was later pushed further forward into an unfamiliar attacking position in an attempt to stretch Leeds' defensive shape.
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None of those players represent a long-term solution.
The need for new additions may not be as pressing as some supporters believe, but securing a right wingback before the Championship season gets underway still feels like a necessity.