Maizels returns to keep at Canberra United
Maccabiah Games goalkeeper Melissa Maizels has returned to the nation's capital to complete some "unfinished business" at the club where her professional career took off, Canberra United.
FOOTBALL fever descended on the country last weekend when the A-League season kicked off, and now it is the W-League’s turn.
Maccabiah Games goalkeeper Melissa Maizels has returned to the nation’s capital to complete some “unfinished business” at the club where her professional career took off four years ago.
The 25-year-old will don the Canberra United green in 2018/19, after 18 appearances in two seasons with Perth Glory including every minute as her side’s number one shot-stopper last season.
Previously, Maizels spent two seasons with runners up Melbourne Victory between 2012 and 2014, before making her first four appearances at W-League level for Canberra.
“I cannot wait to be back,” Maizels said. “It has been two years since I was in Canberra and it feels like I’m coming home.”
“My career started in Canberra, I was there as a second-choice keeper and I feel like I have some unfinished business. I want to come and play for the club as the number one.”
Sweeping changes at Canberra since Maizels’ last stint have paved the way for her to make the goalkeeping post her own.
In the past she was behind veteran Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams and former USA underage star Chantel Jones, while fellow American Haley Kopmeyer returned home at the end of last season.
A chance meeting with head coach Heather Garriock at a cafe on AIS grounds last year was the catalyst for Maizels’ return “home”.
“To have Melissa returning to Canberra is great for the team and the club as a whole,” Garriock said.
“She has aspirations to play for the Matildas and that’s what I love in a player, someone who sets themselves challenges and a long-term goal.”
Maizels has always admired Garriock who scored 20 times in a decorated national career that spanned 130 matches.
“I’m super excited because I’ve always wanted the opportunity to work with a coach like Heather.
“I’m really looking forward to picking her brain and having her hopefully drive me towards achieving my dreams.
Maizels is entering her seventh season in the W-League and has set the bar high, saying she is ready to “knuckle down and grind out a huge season”.
“I really want to be trying to put my best foot forward and be putting my hand up for some big things next year.
Maizels was a part of Canberra’s 2014 championship-winning squad and now is desperate to help them rebound from last season’s poor showing.
The club will open its 2018/19 campaign in a blockbuster clash with Melbourne City at McKellar Park in Canberra, on Sunday October 28 at 4pm.
Six of United’s games will be shown on Fox Sports throughout the 14-round season, while she will come up against her former side Perth Glory in round 2 at home and again in round 10 away.
Maizels spent the W-League offseason plying her trade with Women’s National Premier League club Bayside United and kept six clean sheets in 17 appearances.
AARON FETTER
comments