Haji Wright and Coventry City witnessed their season come to a heartbreaking end on Wearside.
The Sky Blues suffered elimination from the EFL Championship promotion playoffs on Tuesday after losing to Sunderland 3-2 on aggregate. Frank Lampard’s squad forced extra time late in the second half at the Stadium of Light, but Dan Ballard’s last-gasp header in the 120th minute sent the Black Cats to Wembley Stadium.
After a goal-less first half, Coventry City tied the match on aggregate thanks to Ephron Mason-Clark’s 76th minute goal.
However, the Sky Blues watched Sunderland book their spot in May 24th’s final after Ballard headed a corner kick off of the crossbar and into the back of the net.
Wright, who played the full 120 minutes, had the fewest touches of any player in the match (17). The U.S. men’s national team forward led Coventry City with 12 goals during the regular season, but was unable to find the back of the net in the two-legged playoff series.
Sunderland will prepare for a showdown with Sheffield United, with the winner joining Leeds United and Burnley in the Premier League this August.
