Zeljko Bilecki was born 28th April, 1950 in Zagreb, Yugoslavia. Achieved NASL prominence with the Toronto Metros. He played with them for four years, serving as captain in 1976 and 1977 (a rare distinction for a goalkeeper at the time). In 1977 led the league with ten shutouts and was registered fourth best in goals against average. Was sidelined for a good portion of the 1978 season with injury. Still mahaged six shutouts and a 1.34 goals against average in 17 games.A Canadian citizen, he played with the Canadian National team in 1971, 1975, 1976 and 1977. He was always in devasting form against the Rowdies. He was in goal when Toronto shutout the Rowdies in 1976, knocking the Rowdies out of the playoffs.
Acquired by the Rowdies in the 1979 pre-season from the Toronto Metros-Croatia, appeared in 1 game during the 1979 indoor season, against Moscow Dynamo, letting in 5 goals. He made his outdoor debut against the Toronto Blizzard at Tampa Stadium, in a 7-1 win on April 14th. Shared the starting role with Winston DuBose, in his first year as a Rowdie, playing in 23 games. Finished at the top of the American Conference with a 1.28 GA average - good for third place in the entire league. Selected by the PSRA for the All-American team. Posted five shutouts in the regular season, and was the starting goalkeeper for Soccer Bowl '78 against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Was the main reason for the Rowdies winning the 1980 NASL indoor Championship against the Memphis Rogues, played in 17 games, and allowed in 72 goals. Would lose his starting role to DuBose for the 1978 outdoor season, making only 1 appearance against the Rogues in a 0-2 loss on June 10th. He would be traded to the LA Aztecs, but made one appearance as a substitute against the San Diego Sockers on August 13th, in a 2-5 loss.
Was the main reason for the Rowdies winning the 1980 NASL indoor Championship against the Memphis Rogues, played in 17 games, and allowed in 72 goals. Would lose his starting role to DuBose for the 1978 outdoor season, making only 1 appearance against the Rogues in a 0-2 loss on June 10th. He would be traded to the LA Aztecs, but made one appearance as a substitute against the San Diego Sockers on August 13th, in a 2-5 loss. 1981 would see him on the move again, as he became the Tulsa Roughneck's starting keeper, making his debut at Tampa Stadium, he shutout the Rowdies in a 0-2 loss on March 28th. He would make 30 appearances that year, missing only 3 games. This would be his final season in the NASL.
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