While one U.S. Men’s National Team fullback recently hurt his standing with head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, another may have helped his on Tuesday.
It took Eric Lichaj a little more than three-and-a-half years, but he once again got on the scoresheet in a 1-1 draw with Burnley. Lichaj opened his Nottingham Forest account and netted for the first time since March 2012 with a left-footed strike in the 73rd minute of the home game, but the Reds conceded a last-minute equalizer and had to settle for a point.
Lichaj’s goal-scoring performance at right back came at an opportune time for him. Regular U.S. right fullback Fabian Johnson was dismissed by Klinsmann in the Americans’ most recent camp, and it is unclear whether Johnson will be called up for next month’s initial World Cup qualifiers.
If Johnson is not summoned, the U.S. will have a hole to fill at a position that is far from stacked with options. The 26-year-old Lichaj has seldom been called up by Klinsmann during the past few years, but Johnson’s potential absence combined with Lichaj’s continued starts at the club level may earn the Nottingham defender more serious consideration in the coming weeks.
Here is video of Lichaj’s goal (and funny celebration):
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfao1Hbm_ZY]
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What do you think about Lichaj’s goal? Hoping Klinsmann calls him up for the November qualifiers? Would you prefer a different fullback get a look with the USMNT next month?
Share your thoughts below.