USMNT international Haji Wright says his run to the FA Cup semi-finals with second-tier club Coventry City is “amazing” after his strike 10 minutes into added time against Premier League Wolves boosted his hopes of a recall for the 2024 Copa America.
City top scorer Wright curled in a terrific winner as the Sky Blues recovered from falling 2-1 behind with two minutes of normal time remaining at Molineux to win a sensational quarter-final tie 3-2 with two remarkably late goals.
“It’s amazing to make it to Wembley on such an occasion, such a game,” said Wright, speaking to ITV. “It’s great fun for all of us. Hopefully we can enjoy it until the next game and then get back to work.
“We have a lot of quality in our side. As long as we believe and keep trying, we’ll get our chances. We took three of them, which was enough for the win.”
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Wright, who joined Coventry from Antalyaspor in 2023 and could now face the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle or Chelsea in the final four, praised City manager Mark Robins.
“I didn’t have an amazing start here and he always believed and gave [me] opportunities,” he said. “Now I’m at a point where I can perform for the team and help.”
Wright goal vs Wolves boost USMNT hopes
The 25-year-old Californian now has 15 goals in his second campaign with the club – form which is certain to have been noticed by US manager Gregg Berhalter.
Former LA Galaxy youth-teamer Wright made his senior international debut in 2022 and scored for the US at that year’s Fifa World Cup but has not played for them since.
“YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT! @Coventry_City ARE HEADING TO WEMBLEY!” @HajiWright wins it with virtually the last kick of the game!#ITVFootball | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/0CLqaEcitA
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 16, 2024
“I can only focus on what I can control and do my best to impress the coach and the staff,” Wright told The Athletic in February, adding that he is “a million percent still hungry” to be part of the USMNT squad.
“I’ve spoken to Gregg a few times since I came to Coventry. He has given me some words of encouragement and just tells me to keep going. It’s not just all for nothing, as some people would say. He was telling me to keep going because with every goal I’m closer to the team.”
Berhalter could recall Wright for the start of the Copa America in June. Further ahead, the 2026 World Cup takes place in Canada, Mexico and the US.
“Playing for the national team is an honour,” Wright told the outlet. “To do so in my home country would be wonderful. I have a lot to prove and I’m still learning as a player, but I have a lot to offer to any team.”
