Wisconsin Soccer Central

Three years ago, Genevieve Richard (UW) went to Japan as a member of the Canadian team for the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup. On Tuesday, she headed back to the country – this time to start her professional soccer career.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper recently signed with Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara, which plays in the L-League's Nadeshiko Division 2.

Nojima Stella (3-1-0) is in second place in the 10-team league, which runs into early November. The team finished third in the Challenge League last season to earn a spot in the Nadeshiko Division 2 for this year.

Richard set a program record with 16 shutouts during her career with the Badgers and was named a third-team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America last fall. She spent some time in training camp with Sky Blue FC of the National Women's Soccer League last month but wasn't signed.

On Twitter: @GenRichard_GK

• Andrija Novakovich (Muskego) scored the lone goal in the 83rd minute as Reading topped host Derby County 1-0 in an Under-21 Premier League Divison 2 match on Monday in England. The Royals (11-5-2) have four games left in the season and will earn promotion to Division 1 for next season by winning out. Novakovich played all 90 minutes and netted his second goal for the Under-21s after the Rams failed to clear a free kick as Reading won its fifth in a row by ending Derby County's six-match winning streak. The 18-year-old Novakovich also scored nine goals for the club's Under-18 team this season. On Twitter: @AndrijaNovakov3
• Midfielder Sam Dorf (Milwaukee Marquette) is no longer with Waterford United in the Republic of Ireland's second division. While he did sign with the club last month, he wrote on his blog that he has since learned it was after the FIFA deadline for contracts of that type and Waterford United could not afford to sign him to a full pro contract. Read blog post

Editor's note: This article has been edited from its original version to reflect information that became available after posting.