Kaleemullah nets his first goal since USA move

Published May 1, 2016
Kaleemullah, who hails from Chaman, signed up with Tulsa Roughnecks in December last year. — Taimoor Khan/File
Kaleemullah, who hails from Chaman, signed up with Tulsa Roughnecks in December last year. — Taimoor Khan/File

Pakistan attacker Kaleemullah Khan, on Saturday, netted his first United Soccer League (USL) goal, but still could not help his team, Tulsa Roughnecks, avoid a 3-1 defeat against San Antonio FC.

Kaleemullah, who hails from Chaman, signed up with Tulsa Roughnecks in December last year and is mostly used as a squad player by the American side.

Kaleem ended the Oklahoma based side’s three-match goal drought in the 49th minute with a simple tap in, after fellow forward Sammy Ochoa played in a low cross for the Pakistan international who made a well-timed run to make perfect contact with the ball to slot it past San Antonio goalkeeper Josh Ford.

The former Pakistan captain played the last USL season for Sacramento Republic FC which is based in California.

A number of factors, including a coaching change, restricted Kaleemullah to feature in just seven matches for the Republic.

“I am extremely humbled by the opportunity that has been given to me by Tulsa. They are a great team and play eye-catching football,” Kaleemullah said while talking to Dawn when he signed for the Roughnecks.

“I am a quick learner and after spending some time with Sacramento Republic, I have learned a lot about American style of play so I’m sure I will be in a stronger position to play well for my new team.”

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