Super-sub Wright puts USA in Nations League final with Jamaica win
Substitute Haji Wright was the hero once more as the United States defeated Jamaica 3-1 in extra-time to reach the final of the CONCACAF Nations League in Texas on Thursday.
Striker Wright – who scored an injury-time winner for Coventry City in an upset English FA Cup win over Wolves on Saturday – struck twice in extra-time for the defending champions at the AT&T Stadium.
The hard-fought victory set up a final on Sunday against Mexico, who beat Panama 3-0 in the night's other semifinal.
Wright was only drafted into the US squad by coach Gregg Berhalter on Sunday after Norwich City forward Josh Sargent was a late withdrawal with an ankle injury.
However the 25-year-old from Los Angeles delivered a crucial match-winning cameo after coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute for Timothy Weah.
Wright tucked away his first goal on 96 minutes, latching on to a deft pass from fellow substitute Gio Reyna to shoot low past Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake.
The striker then gathered another superb assist from Reyna to notch his second in the 109th minute and make it 3-1.
"Grit and determination – it wasn't a good start for us at the beginning of the game, but we found our way back and then came away with a two-goal lead at the end," said Wright.
"The start of my season wasn't so great so I just had to keep pursuing and trusting in my abilities and trying to do what I do best."
Reyna was determined to seize his chance after being left out of the starting XI.
"As a group we pride ourselves on being ready when they're ready – and Haji and I were both ready tonight," Reyna said.
"We just tried to create stuff, and luckily he made two great runs and I was able to find him. But he did the tough part and put them away."
- Controversial equaliser -
It was
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