Kaleemullah scores first goal on American soil

Pakistan national footballer promises better performances for Tulsa Roughnecks FC

KARACHI: Pakistan’s national striker Kaleemullah has scored his first goal in North America's United Soccer League.

In a game over the weekend Kaleemullah helped his team, Tulsa Roughnecks FC, equalise against against San Antonio FC before half-time.

However, Kaleemullah’s conversion of a low cross would not be enough as his team would later give away two goals. Despite the loss, Kaleemullah said getting on the goal sheet was important for his morale and overall confidence.



“I finally scored a goal and this was important for me,” Kaleemullah told The Express Tribune. “I played as striker for the first time for Roughnecks and scored. Earlier, I was playing as a winger. So this has given me the confidence that I am good enough. I just want to thank everyone who supported me.”

The 23-year-old believes that it is just the beginning and he will be able to bring better performances for his club in the remaining matches of the season. He added that despite their loss, his coach David Irving was happy with his performance.



“My coach was very supportive; he took a chance by letting me play as a striker and I delivered a good performance,” said Kaleemullah. “He was happy for me that I started scoring. He said that this will benefit the team. He also told me that winning or losing is a part of the game and I just need to continue my game.”

Kaleemullah became the only Pakistani player to play in the US professionally after he signed a contract with Sacramento Republic FC in 2015.



The Chaman-based player was also the highest scorer at the Pakistan Premier Football League for KRL in 2013, while he also took the best player trophy at the Kyrgyzstan League when he was playing with FC Dordoi in 2014.

Here is Kaleemullah's first goal in the USL

[/fbvideo]