Canberra United are pleased to announce the signing of United States U23 international goalkeeper Chantel Jones.
Canberra United are pleased to announce the signing of United States U23 international goalkeeper Chantel Jones. Jones joins the green family following the recent news that Matildas- number one custodian Lydia Williams will miss the entirety of the Westfield W-League Season 7 as she recovers from a second knee injury.
Jones, 26, is no stranger to the Australian national competition having played twelve times for Perth Glory last season as the Glory finished fifth, just missing out on finals football. Jones currently plays with Washington Spirit in the NWSL in the US alongside fellow Canberra United player Lori Lindsey. Prior to her spell with Perth, Jones spent a season with Por Akureyri in Iceland to gain much needed experience.
“We are delighted that Chantel has agreed to join Canberra United for Season 7 of the Westfield W-League,” CEO Heather Reid said. “Following the unfortunate injury to Lydia [Williams] we needed to move rapidly to ensure that we obtained a goalkeeper of high quality and Chantel is that kind of person. It-s also useful that she understands the competition having played for Perth Glory last season and will settle into the Australian culture easily because of that experience.” Jones- international caps have seen her participate in the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women-s World Cup in Chile and the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Jones holds the notable achievement of most career shut-outs in the NCAA with forty-seven to her name during her career with the University of Virginia.
Meanwhile United-s goalkeeping ranks have been replenished with the signing of young talent Melissa Maizels. Maizels joins United having been third choice goalkeeper at Melbourne Victory last season sitting on the bench on four occasions as injury cover. The youngster was also third choice at Adelaide United prior to her stint with Victory being part of their training squad before returning to her home city to take up the number one spot with FC Bulleen Lions in the Victorian WPL.
“I am really excited about the prospect of joining a great team like Canberra United,” Maizels commented. “I am looking forward to training hard and starting the season as reserve so I can continue my development and work even harder to gain the starting spot if the opportunity arises.” Maizels will be in Canberra from early August whilst Jones is expected early September.
PLAYER PROFILES Name: Chantel Jones Position: Goalkeeper Date of Birth: 20/07/88 Place of Birth: Brookhaven. NY, USA Clubs: Clover Hill High School, Virginia Cavaliers, Richmond Kickers Destiny, Por Akureyri (ICE), Washington Spirit, Perth Glory Representative Honours: USA U16, USA U17, USA U20, USA U23
Name: Melissa Maizels Position: Goalkeeper Date of Birth: 10/05/93 Place of Birth: Melbourne, VIC Clubs: Doncaster Rovers SC, FC Bulleen Lions, Adelaide United (train-on squad), Melbourne Victory Representative Honours: Victoria Schoolgirls (2009), Victoria FFA Futsal National Championships (2009, 2011, 2012)
