U.S. Abroad: Novakovich scores 19th Dutch league goal in key Telstar away win

Andrija Novakovich scored his 19th league goal of the season for Telstar in its 3-2 win at Emmen that moved it into a three-way tie for fourth place in the Dutch (second tier) Eerste Divisie.

The 21-year-old Novakovich, who made his U.S. debut in the 1-0 win over Paraguay, ranks second in the Eerste Divisie in goals behind Eindhoven's Mart Lieder, who has scored 25 goals. The Wisconsin product is on loan from English club Reading.

Novakovich has scored 20 goals in all competitions, tied for second by an American in the top two Dutch pro leagues.

The win moved Telstar four points ahead of Emmen and closer to clinching a berth in the Dutch promotion/relegation playoffs. In 2017, Telstar finished 16th in the 20-team Eerste Divisie.

by Paul Kennedy