Haji Wright’s Hat Trick Leads Coventry City to Victory
In a stellar performance on Saturday, United States forward Haji Wright secured his first hat trick in English football, leading Coventry City to a decisive 3-0 victory over Sunderland in the EFL Championship. The match highlights Wright’s impressive return to form following a lengthy injury layoff.
Key Highlights from the Match
- First Goal: Wright opened the scoring in the 21st minute, showcasing his skill and agility.
- Penalty Conversion: Just eight minutes later, he netted his second by converting a penalty kick, awarded after he was fouled by Chris Mepham.
- Third Goal: Wright capped off his performance with a goal in the 73rd minute, bringing his season total to 10 goals in just 19 league appearances.
A Milestone in Wright’s Career
At 26 years old, Haji Wright from Los Angeles achieved a significant milestone with this hat trick, marking his second career hat trick overall. His first came while playing for Turkish club Antalyaspor in August 2021.
Wright’s achievement also places him amongst an elite group of American soccer players, being only the second U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) player to record a hat trick in England’s top two divisions in the last two seasons, following in the footsteps of Christian Pulisic, who accomplished the feat with Chelsea in October 2019.
Return from Injury
Wright’s performance comes shortly after his return from an ankle injury, which had kept him sidelined since November 9. Despite his return to the field, he has not been selected for the upcoming U.S. matches in the Concacaf Nations League as he continues to regain full fitness.
International Experience
Notably, Haji Wright contributed to the USMNT’s campaign during the 2022 World Cup, scoring in the team’s second-round match against the Netherlands. His recent form in club football demonstrates his potential to be a key player for the national team moving forwards.
Information in this report was compiled with contributions from The Associated Press.
