Eric Licaj on Aston Villa's UEFA Cup Roster

In a surprising development, little-known American defender Eric Lichaj has been named to Aston Villa's UEFA Cup roster for their game against CSKA Moscow tomorrow. Although it is unlikely that the former Tarheel will see the field, it is another positive step in the right direction after signing an extension this past year. Lichaj, only 20 years old and a regular for Villa's reserves, could still have a bright future with the US if he continues to develop.

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Eric Lichaj Signs Extension with Aston Villa

Little known American defender, Eric Lichaj, has signed what is believed to be a 2 year contract extension with Aston Villa. The 20 year old former North Carolina player, signed with the club in 2007 and after overcoming a series of injuries, has featured prominently for Villa reserves this term. Nice to see a young American hanging on with a top tier club like Aston Villa. If he is able to break into the first team in the next year, that would make 3 Americans plying their trade with the first team. Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan already man the nets for the Villa.

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Some Reading After a Long Weekend

I apologize for the lack of posts over the last couple days, but too much turkey, stuffing, and winter lager can do that to you. To get back into the swing of things and to catch up on all the American Soccer news over the long weekend, here are a bunch of links to the news and happenings of the last few days. Apologies to Bruce McGuire over at the duNord blog for borrowing your posting style for a second, but there were a lot of good articles written over the last few days.

MLSnet's Season in Review Articles so far:

Colorado Rapids
Rapids face long wait 'til next year
Five big questions for Colorado

DC United
Ambitious United fell short of glory
Five big questions for D.C. United

FC Dallas
Talented Hoops hope to mature in '09
Five big questions for FC Dallas

Kansas City Wizards
Once down, Wizards rose to task
Five big questions for the Wizards

San Jose Earthquakes
Strong '08 provides a foundation
Five big questions for San Jose

Toronto FC
Positive 2008 lends TFC bright future
Five big questions for Toronto FC

Other Articles

Freidel Sets a Record
Article about little known American defender, Eric Lichaj, of Aston Villa's reserves
Jeff Carlisle, on Coach Bob Bradley's player pool
Houston Advances in CONCACAF Champions League
Andrea Canales with the Crew's real secret to success
Mike Petke is back in New York

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