Villa's Lichaj making mark in Peace Cup

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Jul 30, 2009

[AMERICANS ABROAD] Young American Eric Lichaj has earned starts in back-to-back games for English club Aston Villa at right back at the Peace Cup in Spain.

Lichaj started against Malaga and then remained in the starting lineup on the backline in the 3-1 win over Atlante of Mexico that moved Villa into the semifinals.

The Chicago product contributed on the second Villa goal, launching a long pass that Norwegian John Carew converted.

Lichaj's two American teammates, goalies Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan, played against Malaga and Atlante, respectively.

'It was an amazing experience to make my debut against Malaga," Lichaj told the Villa web site after the Malaga game. "When the gaffer [Manager Martin O'Neill] announced the team, I was nervous at first. I calmed down and relaxed eventually but it was inevitable that I would have some nerves going into the game. I settled down as I got hold of the ball and started passing it."