WASHINGTON, DC (Dec 5, 2008) USSoccerPlayers -- United States and West Ham United defender Jonathan Spector told USSoccerPlayers on Thursday that his recovery from a hip injury that has kept him out of the squad since last season is almost completed. "I'm currently back in training with the team, and will be playing in my first reserve team game on December 11th," Spector said.
Spector has another three years on his contract with West Ham, signing an extension a few weeks ago. The club is currently 13th in the Premier League.
UEFA Cup
Aston Villa 1 - MSK Zilina 2
Brad Guzan was in goal for Villa, who fell behind in the 16th minute when Vladimir Leitner scored and were two down three minutes later through Peter Styvar. Nathan Delfeouneso got a goal back in the 28th minute, but that was it for the scoring.
"I thought we had plenty of time to conjure an equalizer," Villa manager Martin O'Neill said. "But it wasn't through lack of effort or lack of bombarding their goal. We were beaten, but we're through and that's what we set out to do way back in July. We're in the final 32, and who cares who we play. It doesn't really matter."
Villa ended up taking 20 shots (eight on frame) to Zilina's seven (four on frame). Even with the loss, Aston Villa advances to the Round of 32 with a game left to play in Group F.
