Canberra United goalkeepers Keeley Richards and Chloe Lincoln, as well as star U.S. defender Allyson Haran have tonight claimed top honours at the 2021/22 Canberra United Awards Night.
Ally Haran was recognised by both the coaches and players; named Player of the Year and Players’ Player, which is one of the highest compliments a player can receive. Ally is a respected and well-liked team member but also performed incredibly well in her first Liberty A-Leagues season.
The 25-year-old flew back home to the U.S., after Canberra’s final game of the season but accepted both awards while in Brisbane, saying it was a huge surprise.
“We have so many great players and everyone played their own part in games and each and every game everyone went out there and gave it their all so I was just happy to show up for the team every game and I’m so happy that the team was happy with my performance,” she said.
“I really enjoyed my time here. The girls were awesome, the coaching staff was nice. While it wasn’t the season we wanted, we really pulled it together and were able to show we’re a good team and were able to play some good football.
“The fans were awesome, the girls were awesome, I’m really happy I was able to spend my season here with Canberra United.”
Despite missing half of the season due to injury, Keeley Richards was overwhelmingly voted in by Members as the 2021/22 Supporters’ Player of the Year.
Standing tall at every game, Richards made an average of four saves per match with one clean sheet. After her season ended due to injury, Richards maintained a consistent and supportive presence around the team, always providing encouragement and words of advice to those around her.
The University of Canberra Rising Star Awards went to goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln, who stepped in when Richards suffered her injury. Elevated to the playing squad in January, the 17-year-old made her debut at Viking Park against Perth Glory and went on to help keep the opposition scoreless on three occasions.
Volunteer Liam O’Donnell was recognised for his years of work at Canberra United home games, named Volunteer of the Year. Liam has been one of the senior volunteers for years, working as an usher and ticket scanner.
2021/22 Canberra United Awards |
Player of the Year – Allyson Haran
Club Lime Players’ Player of the Year – Allyson Haran
Supporters’ Player of the Year – Keeley Richards
University of Canberra Rising Star – Chloe Lincoln
