Syrian refugee shines for New Brunswick soccer team

A young Syrian refugee is already making a name for himself in the New Brunswick soccer community.

Mohammed Matar Haj Ale scored a game winning goal for the province's under-16 team on June 27.

"I am so happy for this," said the 16-year-old. 

The team was short a few players going into a weekend tournament when coach George Itoafa asked Mohammed to join them.

Coach Itoafa coaches Mohammed on a different team and thought he could help. 

Mohammed didn't get to play in the first game, or the second, but when the team made it to the semi-finals, coach Itoafa put Mohammed in.

The game was tied with five minutes left when Mohammed took a shot. He had two shots on net earlier in the game that the keeper blocked. This time, it went straight in. 

"All my team was happy, and me too. I was so happy. The team, all the day, was happy."

Mohammed followed up his goal with a classic soccer celebration.

"I did the celebration like Cristiano Ronaldo. I love Cristiano Ronaldo," said Mohammed. 

Mohammed has been playing soccer for as long as he can remember. He hopes that someday he can be professional and play for Real Madrid. He hopes his experience in New Brunswick can help that.

Mohammed and his family arrived in Fredericton in January.  He will be travelling to Ottawa this weekend with the Fredericton District Soccer Association team.