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.”

Opinion

Enter the deputy PM

Enter the deputy PM

Clearly, something has changed since for this step to have been taken and there are shifts in the balance of power within.

Editorial

All this talk
Updated 30 Apr, 2024

All this talk

The other parties are equally legitimate stakeholders in the country’s political future, and it must give them due consideration.
Monetary policy
30 Apr, 2024

Monetary policy

ALIGNING its decision with the trend in developed economies, the State Bank has acted wisely by holding its key...
Meaningless appointment
30 Apr, 2024

Meaningless appointment

THE PML-N’s policy of ‘family first’ has once again triggered criticism. The party’s latest move in this...
Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...