FC Cincinnati name former USMNT defender Eric Lichaj as Under-19 head coach

FC Cincinnati have named former United States international Eric Lichaj as the club's Under-19 head coach.

Still only 33 years old, Lichaj retired last year following a playing career that took in spells with the likes of Aston Villa, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, and Hull City in England, as well as Fatih Karagumruk in the Turkish Super Lig.

At international level, the defender was capped 16 times for the USMNT and was part of their 2017 Gold Cup-winning roster.

Since retiring from playing, Lichaj has picked up coaching experience with Forest's Under-23 side, but will now be in charge of helping develop Cincinnati's future starts after taking over their Under-19s.

“We are very excited to bring in a coach with Eric’s background,” FC Cincinnati director of player development Larry Sunderland said in a club press release.

“He played at a high level with the USMNT and across England, and he brings his wealth of playing experience combined with his coaching knowledge to our Academy. We’re really excited to have him part of a coaching staff with many different backgrounds and experiences as players and as coaches.”

Lichaj added: “I’m delighted to be joining FC Cincinnati’s Academy. It’s exciting to be part of this club and its growing academy system. I’m happy to be here and ready to get started.”

Cincy's Under-19 head coach role was previously occupied by Tyrone Marshall before he was named FC Cincinnati 2 head coach in February following an interim spell in charge of the senior team.