Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Canberra United‘s hugely talented young goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln and club legend Grace Gill as the club announced that Lincoln had signed a two-year deal (18/7/22).
Above: After an impressive spell towards the end of last season, and a Matildas U23 call-up for the recent AFF Championships, Chloe Lincoln’s re-signing is huge for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra Times.
Canberra United today announced the re-signing of 17-year-old goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln on a two-year contract.
Lincoln, who has represented the Young Matildas and recently played in the AFF Tournament, made her Canberra debut last season as a substitute in Perth and went on to make six starts for the club keeping an impressive three clean sheets in those half-a-dozen outings.
Currently playing in the National Premier League (NPL) with the Canberra United Academy, Lincoln is a highly rated prospect by both club and country.
“Chloe is swiftly developing into one of the best goalkeepers in the country and I am excited to be able to witness her progression first-hand at Canberra United for at least the next two seasons,” Head Coach Njegosh Popovich said.
“Her rise through the Academy ranks and into the Young Matildas set-up has been a rapid one, but thoroughly deserved. She has excellent positioning, is confident on crosses, has brilliant distribution and is a wonderful shot-stopper. In short, she ticks all the boxes needed for a quality goalkeeper at this level.”
Lincoln was thrust into the spotlight last season when deputising for the injured Keeley Richards and was in inspirational form, saving a penalty against Melbourne Victory at Viking Park and even notching an assist to her statistics column from a booming clearance against Western Sydney Wanderers.
“It was an easy decision for me to commit my future to Canberra United,” Lincoln said of her new contract. “The club holds a special place in my heart and the supporters are amazing.
“It’s been a crazy journey for me. It’s such a special club with the way the players interact the fans. I love it. It’s a pleasure being able to play in the academy side with people of my age and then the chance to play with the first team.
“Having made my debut for the club last season, I’ve had a taste of the Liberty A-League and am keen for more. Pulling on the goalkeeper shirt at Canberra United is a real privilege and one I would never take for granted.
“I am excited to fight for a place in the starting team and am looking forward to working with an experienced group of players and coaches to bring success back to our community.
After the disappointments of last season when Canberra United were unable to achieve the number of wins that some expected of them, Lincoln sees good things ahead for the new season.
“The players that have signed here already, I can’t wait. It’s shaping up to be such a great team. We need to create an environment where we’re striving to get a common goal with everyone working towards that goal will really help us.”
“To keep having these experiences in the A-League and keep progressing is the goal. That can mean maybe having more international chances after the AFF Championship with the U23s.”
Also speaking to the media about Lincoln’s new deal was Canberra United mentorship group member. The Canberra club legend spoke of the importance of securing the young goalkeeper for a further two years.
“It’s a huge signing for the club. I can’t understate how important it is. To see where Chloe is and the trajectory she is on, it’s a great signing for Canberra United. Her stature is immense.
“She is incredibly capable with both feet which is rare in any player, never mind a goalkeeper. Her shot-stopping and distribution is paramount too, but at the age of 17 she still has so much room for growth.”
Gill emphasised that Lincoln’s ability with both feet – she takes place kicks with her right foot and dropkicks with her left – marks her out as “a special talent. She will be a Matilda for many years to come.”
“We have a core of local players that make up the club and build on that to add around the edges is what makes us who we are. Chloe is taking on a leadership role with the Academy side (in the NPLW) this season and that management of her backline sets the tone.”
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