- Position: Defender
- Date of Birth: 11/17/1988
- College Experience: UNC
- Pro Team: Nottingham Forest
- Height: 5' 11"
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Caps: 14
- Goals: 1
A promising prospect, Eric Lichaj played one NCAA season with North Carolina before trying his luck as a pro. In 2007, English club Aston Villa scooped Lichaj up at the age of 20. Unlike other Americans, Lichaj did not have to struggle to get a work permit because of his Polish dual citizenship. After Lichaj signed with Aston Villa, he started with the club's academy team but moved up to the reserve squad in 2008. A year later, he was promoted to the first team, but never got playing time. He was loaned to League Two club Lincoln City and a second time to League One club Leyton Orient, where he became a starter at right back.
Lichaj returned to Aston Villa and broke into the starting lineup during the 2010-11 season. He made his debut in a Europa League match against Austria’s Rapid Vienna and continued to get minutes in Premier League matches. After Gerard Houllier took over as manager, Lichaj lost his spot in the starting lineup and in February 2011 was loaned to Leeds United. Villa released Lichaj in the summer of 2013. He joined Nottingham Forest in June.
Eric Lichaj USMNT Highlights
2017: Started against Martinique on Jun 12. Started against El Salvador in the quarterfinals on Jul 19 and scored. Started against Portugal on Nov 14.
2016: Started against Puerto Rico on May 22.
2013: Returned to the squad as a sub against Scotland on Nov 15 and Austria on Nov 19.
2011: Named to the 2011 Gold Cup squad, playing in four games.
2010: Earned his first cap for the USA in October 2010 in a friendly against Colombia.
Eric Lichaj Professional Highlights
2016-17: Finished 21st in the Championship with Forest.
2015-16: A 16th-place finish with Nottingham Forest.
2014-15: Finished 14th with Forest.
2013-14: Played in 24 games for Nottingham Forest, finishing 11th in the Championship.
2012-13: An occasional starter for Aston Villa, he was released at the end of the season. On Jun 19, he signed with Championship club Nottingham Forest.
2011: Scored his first goal for Aston Villa in a 2–0 win over Hereford United in August in the Carling Cup. Loaned to Leeds United in February.
2010: Loaned to League One side Leyton Orient, where he scored once in nine games.
2009: Loaned to League Two club Lincoln City, where he made six appearances.
2008: Signed with Aston Villa.
