Leeds United opened their North American preseason tour with a 1-0 victory over Sunderland at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, on July 30, 2026.
The decisive goal came early, as Felix Nmecha capitalized on a defensive error in the ninth minute.
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After Ao Tanaka dispossessed Enzo Le Fee, Nmecha spotted Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg off his line and launched a 40-yard strike into the bottom right corner.
Sunderland responded with pressure, but Brian Brobbey missed a close-range chance from a Reinildo Mandava cross.
Romaine Mundle and Trai Hume also saw efforts blocked by a resilient Leeds defense.
New signing Tarik Muharemovic impressed on his debut following his £34 million transfer.
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The Bosnian defender made several key blocks, including stopping Hume's late first-half effort, to preserve the clean sheet.
Sunderland made multiple substitutions after the hour mark, bringing on Simon Adingra, Diarra, and Noah Sadiki for their first appearances since the World Cup.
Young substitutes Timur Tutierov and Trey Ogunsuyi both narrowly missed late headers to equalize.
Ellborg kept Sunderland in the game with a notable elbow save against Daniel James and a denial of Alfie Cresswell's header.
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Both clubs will conclude their North American tour in their next fixtures, with Sunderland facing Wrexham and Leeds taking on Liverpool.
