While Villa signed two American goalkeepers in the summer of 2008, defender Eric Lichaj arrived 12 months ahead of his fellow countrymen.
The youngster from Chicago began his time here as part of the club's Academy but graduated to regular reserve team football last season, playing in all but two matches as the second string won the Premier Reserve League South title.
He was also on the bench for Villa's round of 32 UEFA Cup-tie against CSKA in Moscow.
Lichaj, who can play in central defence or at right-back, played for four years in the States before joining Villa.
He helped his country to qualify for the 2005 under-17 World Cup and was also named in the under-20 squad for the 2007 World Cup in Canada.