[AMERICANS ABROAD] Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who as Brad Friedel's understudy doesn't see league action, started for Aston Villa in its 4-2 Carling League Cup quarterfinal win over Portsmouth.

Guzan's previous appearance came against Sunderland in the round of 16 in October, when Guzan saved four penalty kicks, including three in the shootout.

Against Portsmouth, Guzan was beaten by a Stiliyan Petrov own goal in the 10th minute and by Nwankwo Kanu in the 87th. In between, Guzan made a good save off a Frederic Piquionne header and stole the ball off the feet Danny Webber to thwart a chance.

Since the 25-year-old joined Villa from Chivas USA in August of 2008, Guzan has played in one league game (last season as a sub after a Friedel red card), seven UEFA Cup games, and four League Cup games.