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Wagner’s Huddersfield Town wins English promotion playoff final

It certainly wasn’t pretty, but David Wagner and Huddersfield Town are heading to the Premier League for first time in club history.

Following a 0-0 draw through 120 minutes, Wagner’s Huddersfield Town outlasted Reading to win 4-3 in a penalty kick shootout. The win sends Huddersfield Town to the Premier League, where they will join Newcastle and Brighton & Hove Albion as the promoted sides.

The 120 minutes were fairly tepid, but the penalty kick shootout provided plenty of thrills. Both sides exchanged makes on their opener before U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Danny Williams sank his penalty kick to put Reading ahead. Michael Hefele missed Huddersfield Town’s second shot, giving Reading the advantage.

That advantage lasted until the fourth round when Reading’s Liam Moore skied his shot to let Huddersfield back in it. Aaron Mooy made his to level the scoreline before Jordan Obita saw Reading’s fifth and final penalty kick saved by Danny Ward. Huddersfield Town defender Christopher Schindler stepped up and rolled his shot into the left corner, sending Huddersfield Town to the Premier League.

Regulating proved typical for a promotion final, as both sides entered the match tentative. The two teams played largely not to lose and took few risks throughout 120. In total, the two teams registered just three shots on goal throughout a fairly physical game.

Eventually, one team had to step up, and it was Huddersfield that did so in penalty kicks, sealing a Premier League spot while breaking the hearts of Williams and Reading.

Comments

  1. Wow does this article need an edit. Always liked Ryan T.’s work, but this reads like he thumb-typed it while rushing onto an airplane and hit send when he actually meant to press the “call flight attendant” button.

    And just so I’m clear – who is Huddersfield Town? And who is David Wagner? Those would have been useful tidbits of knowledge.

    That said – Come On You Huddersfield Townies!

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  2. “Regulating proved typical for a promotion final, as both sides entered the match tentative.” Nate Dogg (R.I.P) and Warren G are never tentative. Not even in a promotion final.

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