AMSTERDAM – Three US internationals advanced with their clubs to the Capital One Cup second round on Tuesday, with Tim Ream working a solid left back shift as Bolton pulled off a stunning late comeback to top fourth-flight mites Bury 3-2.
In addition to running his flank well, the St. Louis native also managed to slide centrally for a handful of important clearances. Wanderers trailed by one until a 90th-minute penalty kick by Craig Davies, then hit twice in extras to complete the rally.
Elsewhere, Eric Lichaj pitched in with 88 minutes of double duty as 10-man Nottingham Forest moved on with a 1-0 victory at fourth-tier Tranmere.
Playing in his customary right back slot, the American nearly notched an assist when Reds scorer Michail Antonio nodded his pinpoint cross off the bar midway through the opening frame. Lichaj eventually switched to central midfield in the 75th minute before departing late.
Birmingham City right back Jonathan Spector went the distance as the home side ousted Conference mites Cambridge United by a 3-1 margin. Though the Brums veteran did enjoy a decent overall outing, he was among the culpable on the U's consolation strike.
With Derby County, Huddersfield Town and Reading also winning, all six teams employing Americans marched to the next round, where they will be joined by countrymen from Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke City, Sunderland and West Ham United. The second-round draw will take place on Wednesday, with all ties set to begin during the last week of August.
