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Fortuna Sittard had an incredible day, coming back three times to earn a 4-4 draw with Willem II at the Offermans Joosten Stadion. American striker Andrija Novakovich scored two goals to help his club earn a point.
His first goal came in the 40th minute, when he agilely redirected a cross into the back of the net.
— American Soccer Now (@ClassicASN) September 22, 2018
In the 53rd minute, Novakovich received the ball at the top of the box and skillfully created enough space to place his shot to the back post.
— American Soccer Now (@ClassicASN) September 22, 2018
4 - Andrija Novakovich is the first @FortunaSittard player with four or more goals in his first six Eredivisie games for the club since John Linford in 1985 (6 in 6). Stripes.
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) September 22, 2018
“My birthday was yesterday,” Novakovich told the club’s official website. “A better present would be three points, but, okay, I’ll take a point.”
Fortuna Sittard is currently in 11th place in the Eredivisie with six points from six matches. Novakovich and the Fortunezen play Helmond Sport in the KNVB Cup on Tuesday, September 25th and perennial power Ajax on Saturday, September 29th.
The 22-year-old has scored four goals this season with Fortuna Sittard. He recently signed a contract extension with English Championship club Reading that lasts through June of 2020. Novakovich spent last season on loan with SC Telstar in the Eerste Division, where he scored 19 goals.
Novakovich was recently included on the United States Men’s National Team roster for friendlies against Brazil and Mexico, but didn’t appear in either match. He’s earned two caps since making his debut against Paraguay in March. The national team is always in need of in-form strikers, so future call-ups should be all but assured. The question is, will American interim manager Dave Sarachan give Novakovich the chance to prove his worth?