US Soccer Players

The official site of the USMNT Soccer Players with soccer news, schedule, statistics, players, interviews, and exclusive stories.


Next Opponent

TBD TBD on TBD
  • Rankings
  • Schedule
  • Results
  • Home
  • Roster
  • USMNT News
  • MLS
  • Americans Abroad
  • Alumni
  • USNSTPA
  • Archive

Eric Lichaj – USMNT

November 22, 2011 by US Soccer Players

  • Position: Defender
  • Date of Birth: 11/17/1988
  • College Experience: UNC
  • Pro Team: Hull City
  • Height: 5' 11"
  • Weight: 175 lbs
  • Caps: 15
  • Goals: 1

USMNT player Eric Lichaj. Credit: Thomas Eisenhuth - ISIPhotos.com

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. After five successful seasons with Forest, Lichaj signed with Hull City for the 2018-19 Championship season.

Eric Lichaj USMNT Highlights

2018: Started and wore the captain's armband against Bolivia on May 28. Started against Mexico on Sep 11.
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

2018-19: Moved to Hull City for the 2018-19 Championship season, finishing 13th.
2017-18: Finished 17th in the Championship with Forest, his final season with the club. Made 173 total appearances for Forest.
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.

Like Google +1 Retweet

Filed Under: Players Tagged With: bio, us soccer

MLS Power Rankings: 2019 Season Ender

MLS Power Rankings: 2019 Season Ender

By Luis Bueno

A look back at the 2019 Major League Soccer season with the clubs that succeeded and the clubs that have plenty of work to do for 2020.

Does Chicharito have an MLS or Liga MX future?

Does Chicharito have an MLS or Liga MX future?

By Luis Bueno

Major League Soccer has the unlikely edge over Liga MX in signing European-based Mexico players, but will that still hold for Chicharito Hernandez?

Inter Miami and Nashville SC focus on MLS experience

Inter Miami and Nashville SC focus on MLS experience

By Jason Davis

Inter Miami and Nashville SC are both building their debut squads on players with plenty of experience in Major League Soccer.

More from our writers

US Soccer Players

eric-lichaj-usmnt-soccer-player-goal-celebration-2017-gold-cup-quarterfinals

Eric Lichaj - USMNT

Position Defender
Pro Team Hull City
Read more about Eric Lichaj - USMNT

Players Tweets

A Twitter List by ussoccerplayers
Follow US Soccer Players

UNITED STATES NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

Players

  • Squad
  • Results
  • Schedule
  • FIFA Ranking
  • Match Reports

Soccer News

  • National Team
  • Major League Soccer
  • Americans Abroad
  • Featured
  • Soccer History

About USNSTPA

  • About US Soccer Players
  • USNSTPA FAQ
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe to our Newsletter

Copyright © 2019 All Rights Reserved - US Soccer Players.