[AMERICANS ABROAD] Amid reports that Aston Villa might bring in competition for him and fellow American Brad Guzan in goal, 39-year-old Brad Friedel picked up the victory as Aston Villa won, 2-1, at Wigan on Tuesday.

Friedel could do nothing to stop Gary Caldwell's header, but he did well to stop Honduran Maynor Figueroa's long-distance shot.

The victory left Villa in seventh place just three points behind fourth-place Tottenham with a game in hand over its rivals.

The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that Aston Villa could make a move for backup Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

ENGLAND, Premier League
Brad Friedel, 90 minutes (Aston Villa, 2-1, at Wigan)

ENGLAND, First Division
Jay DeMerit, 90 minutes (Watford, 2-1, vs. Ipswich)

IRELAND, Premier League
Ryan Guy, 90 minutes (St. Patrick's, 2-0, at Shamrock Rovers)