AMSTERDAM – A pair of American netminders posted debut victories for their new clubs on Tuesday night, with MK Dons summer catch Cody Cropper playing his part in a 2-1 comeback win over Capital One Cup first-round guests Leyton Orient.
After being beaten by his own defender on an opening frame own goal, the US Olympic team candidate made big second-half stops on Ollie Palmer and Jay Simpson to keep the hosts with a chance. His new teammates rewarded Cropper with a pair of goals in the final two minutes to flip the result.
Elsewhere, Danny Williams worked all 120 minutes on the right side of midfield in his first start of the campaign as Reading advanced with a 1-0 extra time triumph at Colchester. The US midfielder nearly broke the deadlock on the half-hour, but his 18-yard curler was pushed out of the top corner by home 'keeper Sam Walker.
Eric Lichaj went the distance as Nottingham Forest bowed out with a wild 4-3 defeat against visiting Walsall. The Reds right back was only at fault on the game's opening goal, escaping much of the blame for the weak showing at the back.
Birmingham City defender Jonathan Spector came on for the final 20 minutes to help his side hold on for a 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers.
Also, Emerson Hyndman remained a spectator as Fulham moved on with a 1-0 win ay Wycombe Wanderers.
Over in France, Quentin Westberg enjoyed a winning Tours debut, backstopping the visitors to a 2-1 rally win over Coupe de la Ligue first round hosts Orléans.
The recent transfer catch notched four saves and two punches, but could only get a fingertip touch on the 27th-minute cross/shot that opened the scoring. Westberg also got help from a 'keeper's best friend, when a penalty try by Orléans striker Nicolas Pepe rocketed off the bar four minutes after intermission.
