USMNT striker Haji Wright and Coventry City saw their Premier League promotion dreams shattered in agonizing fashion after a heartbreaking extra-time loss to Sunderland in the EFL Championship playoff semi-final.

Played in front of a sold-out crowd at the Stadium of Light, the tense second-leg encounter ended with Sunderland clinching a dramatic 2-1 aggregate win, thanks to a last-gasp header from Dan Ballard in the 118th minute.

The game was tightly contested throughout, with both teams creating chances but failing to capitalize in regular time. Wright, who had been instrumental for Coventry all season, showed flashes of brilliance but was effectively neutralized by Sunderland’s back line.

 
Frank Lampard Left Gutted by Extra-Time Collapse

Frank Lampard, recently appointed as Coventry City manager, expressed deep disappointment following the loss. The former Chelsea and Everton boss lauded his players’ commitment but admitted the team lacked composure in the final stages.

“It’s a tough one to take,” Lampard said in his post-match reaction. “We were minutes away from penalties, and we switched off at the worst time. Credit to Sunderland—they pushed until the end.”

Coventry’s aggregate loss was a bitter pill for a side that has overachieved this season, with Wright leading the line in his first campaign with the club.

 
Dan Ballard Seals It for Sunderland

Dan Ballard’s last-minute goal will go down in Sunderland playoff folklore. Rising highest from a set-piece, the center-back connected with a looping cross to bury Coventry’s hopes and send the Black Cats into the EFL Championship playoff final.

The result keeps Sunderland’s promotion hopes alive as they now prepare for a Wembley showdown that could return them to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.

 
USMNT’s Wright Impresses Despite Exit

While the loss stings, Haji Wright’s performance throughout the season has not gone unnoticed. The USMNT striker finishes the campaign with double-digit goals and a reputation as one of the most clinical forwards in the Championship.

His composure, movement, and work rate have drawn praise from both fans and pundits, and he remains a strong candidate for Gregg Berhalter’s next USMNT squad.

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