US Under-18 international Andrija Novakovich is bypassing the college route in his soccer development and heading straight to the pros.
Marquette announced recently that Novakovich has opted to bypass his college commitment to them and signed a professional contract with Reading FC. Novakovich joins the Championship club after recently spending a few days on trial.
"It was a bittersweet decision, and I am so grateful for the guidance and help coach Louis Bennett and the soccer staff have given me," Novakovich told gomarquette.com. "Signing the letter of intent to play at Marquette was a proud point for me, and I will forever consider myself a Golden Eagle."
According to a report from TopDrawerSoccer.com, Novakovich trained with Reading's Under-21 squad and briefly with the first team before signing his deal.
Novakovich was one of the key figures in the US Under-18 national team's successful trip to France last October. He scored one goal, delivered an assist and was a part of many of the Americans' scoring chances as they posted a 2-0-1 record against France, Czech Republic and Poland.
Reading are no strangers to signing American players. They currently employ US national team midfielder Danny Williams and previously had Bobby Convey and Marcus Hahnemann on their books.
