Wisconsin Soccer Central

Alex Melin (Verona) celebrated her return to action for Dutch club AFC Ajax on Saturday by scoring the first goal of her professional career.

Melin came on as a sub in the 61st minute and finished off the scoring 16 minutes later as Ajax opened defense of its Dutch Cup title by blanking amateur side DTS Ede 4-0 in a Round of 16 KNVB Beker match.

The 22-year-old Melin also hit the post in her sixth appearance of the season in all competitions for Ajax, which is 11-3-1 and in second place in the BeNe League with nine games remaining. It was her first appearance since Oct. 17.

• Andrija Novakovich (Muskego) scored his eighth goal of the season as host Reading extended its unbeaten streak to six with a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League Under-18 South Group match Saturday in England. Novakovich gave the home side the lead in the 13th minute, beating Spurs goalkeeper Tom Glover to the left post off a corner kick by Noor Husin. Novakovich has scored in four of the past five league games for the Royals (8-8-3), who have lost only once in their past nine to move up to sixth in the 12-team group. On Twitter: @AndrijaNovakov3