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Eric Lichaj

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Eric Lichaj
Lichaj with Nottingham Forest in 2016
Personal information
Full name Eric Joseph Lichaj[1]
Date of birth (1988-11-17) November 17, 1988 (age 35)
Place of birth Downers Grove, Illinois, United States
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
2003–2005 IMG Academy
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006 North Carolina Tar Heels
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006 Chicago Fire Premier 4 (0)
2007–2013 Aston Villa 32 (1)
2009 → Lincoln City (loan) 6 (0)
2010 → Leyton Orient (loan) 9 (1)
2011 → Leeds United (loan) 16 (0)
2013–2018 Nottingham Forest 173 (4)
2018–2020 Hull City 68 (0)
2020–2021 Fatih Karagümrük 10 (0)
Total 318 (6)
International career‡
2003–2005 United States U17 25 (0)
2006 United States U20 2 (0)
2010–2018 United States 16 (1)
Medal record
Representing  United States
Runner-up CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011
Winner CONCACAF Gold Cup 2017
Men's Football
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12:47, December 6, 2020 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 03:17, September 12, 2018 (UTC)

Eric Joseph Lichaj (/ˈliːhaɪ/ LEE-hy;[2] born November 17, 1988) is an American former professional soccer player, who is currently the head coach of the FC Cincinnati U19 team.[3]

Club career

[edit]

Eric Lichaj is the third son of Stan and Ann Lichaj, who were both from Nowy Targ, Poland.[4] He has two older brothers, Andrew and Mark Lichaj. At the age of 14, Lichaj joined the soccer residency program at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.[4] He began his youth career with the Downers Grove Roadrunners, later played with Chicago Fire's youth side, and then spent one year at the University of North Carolina.[5][6] He also played four games for the Chicago Fire Premier of the USL Premier Development League.[7] After his freshman season, Lichaj signed with English Premier League club Aston Villa. Lichaj holds a Polish passport, making a work permit unnecessary.[8]

Aston Villa

[edit]

Following a season in the Aston Villa youth side, Lichaj featured in all but two of Villa's Reserve matches during the 2008–09 season.[9] During the 2009–10 pre-season, he was selected for the 2009 Peace Cup squad and showed glimpses of his potential during the friendly tournament.[10] This, however, did not immediately translate into playing time for the first team.

Lichaj was loaned out to League Two club Lincoln City to gain first-team experience. He played two games for Lincoln before signing a one-month loan extension.[11] Later in the season, Lichaj again went on a month-long loan, this time to League One side Leyton Orient.[12] He scored the first professional goal of his career for Leyton Orient against Stockport County on April 17, 2010.[13]

Lichaj scored his first goal for Aston Villa on July 19, 2010, in a pre-season friendly against Peterborough United. Following a successful pre-season campaign, he signed a new three-year contract with the club on August 11, 2010.[14] He made his competitive debut for Villa on August 19, 2010, in a 1–1 draw in a Europa League qualifying match away to Rapid Vienna.[15] He made his Premier League debut for Aston Villa on November 10, 2010, against Blackpool.[16] Lichaj made his first start for Aston Villa on December 11, 2010, in a 2–1 win against local rivals West Bromwich Albion. He also started for Villa at right back against Tottenham Hotspur, where he put in an impressive performance against in-form Spurs winger Gareth Bale.[citation needed]

Leeds United (loan)

[edit]

On February 9, 2011, Lichaj joined Leeds United on a one-month loan deal.[17] Lichaj made his Leeds debut in a 2–0 victory against Bristol City.[18] On March 14, Leeds extended Lichaj's loan for the rest of the season.[19] He scored an own goal in Leeds' match against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United, who went on to win the match 2–0. After playing all of his games at right back in place of the injured Paul Connolly, Lichaj was moved to left back when George McCartney was injured.[20] On May 9, Lichaj played the last game of his Leeds United loan spell in Leeds' 2–1 win over Queens Park Rangers.[21] Leeds announced on their official website that Lichaj would be returning to his parent club Aston Villa at the end of his loan spell.[22] After his loan expired, Lichaj said he wanted to rejoin Leeds the following season to help them earn promotion to the Premier League.[23]

Back at Villa

[edit]

After impressing during his loan spell, in July 2011 Leeds manager Simon Grayson said he was interested in re-signing Lichaj on loan as long as new Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish did not plan to use Lichaj in his first team.[24][25] Lichaj scored his first goal for Aston Villa in their 2–0 win over Hereford United in the League Cup on August 23, 2011.[26] On March 31, 2012, having already assisted Villa's first goal by throwing the ball long for James Collins to score from a header, Lichaj scored his first Premier League goal in a 4–2 defeat at home to Chelsea.[27] After the 2012–13 Premier League season, Aston Villa decided not to renew Lichaj's contract, releasing him on a free transfer.

Nottingham Forest

[edit]

Lichaj signed a two-year contract with Championship club Nottingham Forest on June 19, 2013.[28] He made his debut in a 1–0 win against Huddersfield Town on the opening day of the season.[29] In December 2014, he extended his deal until the summer of 2017.[30] On October 20, 2015, Lichaj scored his first Nottingham Forest goal in a 1–1 draw with Burnley at the City Ground.[31] Lichaj captained Forest for the first time on September 27, 2016, for a home game against Fulham and scored his second goal for the club in his next home game, opening the scoring in a 3–1 win over Birmingham City.[citation needed]

Following the sale of Henri Lansbury in January 2017 and the continued absence of regular captains such as Chris Cohen and Matt Mills, Lichaj continued to captain the side. He told local newspaper Nottingham Post he took "great pride" in the captaincy and that he had retained the armband from his first match as captain.[32] At the end of the 2016–17 season, the club's fans named Lichaj Forest's Player of the Year, receiving over 40% of the vote.[33]

In the third round of the 2017–18 FA Cup, Lichaj scored two goals in a 4–2 win over Arsenal, knocking the cup holders out of the competition. After the match, Lichaj stated his wife had promised to give him a dog if he scored a hat-trick in 2018.[34]

Hull City

[edit]

On June 22, 2018, Lichaj signed a two-year deal with Hull City for an undisclosed fee.[35] He made his debut in the first match of the 2018–19 season on August 6, 2018, at home to Aston Villa in a 1–3 defeat.[36] He was released by the team in 2020. [37]

International career

[edit]

Lichaj has been involved with various U.S. youth teams. He helped the U.S. qualify for the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship and was named in the United States U-20 squad for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, although he missed out due to injury. He was called into the senior team as a "guest" for the camp preceding two World Cup qualifiers in June 2009.[38] Lichaj received his first call-up to the United States senior team in October 2010 and was included in the squad for the friendlies against Poland and Colombia.[39] Lichaj collected his first cap on October 12, 2010, in the friendly against Colombia.[40] On November 17, 2010, Lichaj gained his second cap when he started for the U.S. against South Africa. On March 21, 2011, Lichaj received a call-up to the U.S. national side for the games against Argentina and Paraguay.[41] He was named in the U.S. 2011 Gold Cup squad; after sitting on the bench for the first two Gold Cup matches, Lichaj played all 90 minutes of the last four, including the 4–2 loss in the final against Mexico.[citation needed]

In 2013, Lichaj returned to international duty after a two-year absence, making two substitute appearances for the U.S. against Scotland and Austria in November.[42] In May 2016, Lichaj was again recalled by the U.S., as part of the preliminary Copa América Centenario roster,[43] and for a friendly match against Puerto Rico, in which he appeared as a substitute.[44]

During a 2017 Gold Cup quarterfinal match against El Salvador on July 19, 2017, Lichaj scored his first international goal to help the United States win 2–0.[45]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of March 31, 2022
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Aston Villa 2008–09[46] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2009–10[47] 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010–11[48] 5 0 0 0 2 0 1[b] 0 8 0
2011–12[49] 10 1 0 0 1 1 — 11 2
2012–13[50] 17 0 2 0 4 0 — 23 0
Total 32 1 2 0 7 1 1 0 42 2
Lincoln City (loan) 2009–10[47] League Two 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
Leyton Orient (loan) 2009–10[47] League One 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 1
Leeds United (loan) 2010–11[48] Championship 16 0 0 0 0 0 — 16 0
Nottingham Forest 2013–14[51] Championship 24 0 2 0 0 0 — 26 0
2014–15[52] 42 0 1 0 2 0 — 45 0
2015–16[53] 43 1 2 0 1 0 — 46 1
2016–17[54] 41 2 1 0 3 0 — 45 2
2017–18[55] 23 1 2 2 3 0 — 28 3
Total 173 4 8 2 9 0 — 190 6
Hull City 2018–19[56] Championship 39 0 1 0 0 0 — 40 0
2019–20[57] 29 0 1 0 0 0 — 30 0
Total 68 0 2 0 0 0 — 70 0
Fatih Karagümrük 2020–21 Süper Lig 10 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 12 0
Career total 314 6 14 2 16 1 1 0 346 9
  1. ^ Includes FA Cup and Turkish Cup
  2. ^ Appearance in UEFA Europa League

International

[edit]
As of September 11, 2018
National team Year Apps Goals
United States
2010 2 0
2011 6 0
2012 0 0
2013 2 0
2014 0 0
2015 0 0
2016 1 0
2017 4 1
2018 2 0
Total 16 1

International goals

[edit]
Scores and results list the United States' goal tally first.[58]
No Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. July 19, 2017 Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, United States  El Salvador 2–0 2–0 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup

Honors

[edit]

United States

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Hull City" (PDF). English Football League. p. 33. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
  2. ^ NFFCTube (February 3, 2016). "Forest take on #NFLKeepyUp Challenge". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  3. ^ "Former USMNT defender Eric Lichaj named FC Cincinnati U19 Head Coach". FC Cincinnati. March 31, 2022.
  4. ^ a b Armour, Nancy (October 6, 2010). "Timing is perfect for Lichaj's first US call-up". CBS Chicago. Associated Press. Retrieved October 6, 2010.
  5. ^ Owen, Dave (August 21, 2009). "Downers Grove native Lichaj making international soccer impact". MySuburbanLife.com. Retrieved July 2, 2012.[permanent dead link]
  6. ^ "Player bio: Eric Lichaj". tarheelblue.cstv.com. Archived from the original on April 22, 2009. Retrieved January 23, 2010.
  7. ^ "Chicago Fire Premier: 2006 roster". uslsoccer.com. Archived from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved February 25, 2011.
  8. ^ Ubha, Ravi (November 30, 2008). "Lichaj making his mark in the reserves". ESPNsoccernet. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved July 28, 2010.
  9. ^ "Eric Lichaj". Aston Villa F.C. Archived from the original on October 17, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  10. ^ "Player Database – Eric Lichaj". yanks-abroad.com. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2018.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  11. ^ "Lincoln extend Villa duo's loans". BBC Sport. November 23, 2009. Retrieved January 23, 2010.
  12. ^ "Villa Defender Becomes Deadline Day Arrival No. 2". Leyton Orient F.C. March 25, 2010. Archived from the original on March 28, 2010. Retrieved March 25, 2010.
  13. ^ "Leyton Orient 2 – 0 Stockport". BBC. April 17, 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
  14. ^ "Lichaj pens new three-year contract". Aston Villa F.C. August 11, 2010. Archived from the original on August 17, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  15. ^ Stevenson, Jonathan (August 19, 2010). "Rapid Vienna 1 – 1 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
  16. ^ "U.S. midfielder Maurice Edu leaves Rangers match on a stretcher – ESPN". Espn.go.com. November 10, 2010. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  17. ^ "Deal Done For Premier League Defender". February 9, 2011.
  18. ^ "News | News | News | United Victorious At Ashton Gate". Leeds United. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  19. ^ "American Lichaj extends Leeds loan from Villa". CNN. March 14, 2011. Archived from the original on March 17, 2011.
  20. ^ "News | News | News | Dominant United Held At Home". Leeds United. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  21. ^ "News | News | News | United Upset The Champions". Leeds United. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  22. ^ "News | News | News | LOAN MEN SAY FAREWELL". Leeds United. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  23. ^ "Lichaj open to Leeds return". Sky Sports.
  24. ^ "Grayson drops Lichaj hint". Sky Sports.
  25. ^ "Leeds United: Grayson in Lichaj talks – Latest Whites News". Yorkshire Evening Post. July 10, 2011. Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  26. ^ "Aston Villa 2 – 0 Hereford". BBC. August 23, 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
  27. ^ "Aston Villa 2–4 Chelsea". BBC. March 31, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
  28. ^ "Eric Lichaj: Nottingham Forest sign ex-Aston Villa defender". BBC Sport. June 19, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  29. ^ "Nottingham Forest 1–0 Huddersfield". BBC Sport. August 3, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  30. ^ "Eric Lichaj: Nottingham Forest defender extends deal". BBC Sport. December 30, 2014. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  31. ^ "Nottingham Forest 1–1 Burnley". BBC Sport. October 20, 2015. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
  32. ^ "Eric Lichaj – skippering Nottingham Forest makes me want to keep improving". Nottingham Post. February 16, 2017. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  33. ^ "Lichaj crowned Player of the Season". Nottingham Forest Official Site. May 10, 2017.
  34. ^ "Nottingham Forest's Eric Lichaj was one goal away from getting a dog". BBC Sport. January 7, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  35. ^ "Eric Lichaj: Hull City sign USA defender from Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. BBC. June 22, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  36. ^ "Hull City v Aston Villa". BBC Sport. BBC. August 6, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  37. ^ Clapson, Sarah (June 17, 2020). "Eric Lichaj leaves Hull - and some Forest fans want him back". nottinghampost. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  38. ^ Goff, Steve (May 24, 2009). "USA Roster Announced". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 10, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2010.
  39. ^ "Lichaj earns first US senior call-up for friendly double header". Aston Villa F.C. October 1, 2010. Archived from the original on October 2, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  40. ^ "U.S. Men's National Team Finishes October Camp with a Scoreless Draw Against Colombia at PPL Park". United States Soccer Federation. October 13, 2010. Archived from the original on October 15, 2010. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
  41. ^ "News | News | News | Two More Set For International Duty". Leeds United. Archived from the original on March 23, 2011. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  42. ^ "Scotland 0 USA 0". BBC Sport. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
  43. ^ "KLINSMANN SUBMITS 40-PLAYER PRELIMINARY ROSTER FOR 2016 COPA AMERICA CENTENARIO". USSoccer.com. Retrieved May 16, 2016.
  44. ^ Creditor, Avi (May 16, 2016). "Green, Hyndman among Klinsmann's USMNT extras vs. Puerto Rico". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 18, 2016.
  45. ^ Carlisle, Jeff (July 19, 2017). "U.S. beats El Salvador 2-0 and advances to Gold Cup semifinal vs. Costa Rica". ESPN. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  46. ^ "Games played by Eric Lichaj in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  47. ^ a b c "Games played by Eric Lichaj in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  48. ^ a b "Games played by Eric Lichaj in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  49. ^ "Games played by Eric Lichaj in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  50. ^ "Games played by Eric Lichaj in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  51. ^ "Games played by Eric Lichaj in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  52. ^ "Games played by Eric Lichaj in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  53. ^ "Games played by Eric Lichaj in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
  54. ^ "Games played by Eric Lichaj in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved March 17, 2018.
  55. ^ "Games played by Eric Lichaj in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  56. ^ "Games played by Eric Lichaj in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  57. ^ "Games played by Eric Lichaj in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  58. ^ "Lichaj, Eric". National Football Teams. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  59. ^ "E. Lichaj". Soccerway. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
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