The Illawarra Stingrays were handed their first defeat of the season and lost top spot in the process after falling 1-0 to Sydney University on Sunday.
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A stunning free-kick from Rachel Soutar just after the half hour mark was enough for the Students to leave JJ Kelly Park with the points.
Stingrays coach Earle Canvin felt the match was the toughest his team had played in this season, but couldn’t fault the effort of his squad.
“They are a quality football side and I was extremely happy with the girls at the end of the game as far as the effort and commitment they gave,” he said.
“I saw an another advancement in our defending.
“We have a young defence and they are getting better week in, week out.”
The Stingrays’ Matildas players were held to a 45 minute restriction in the clash and the hosts life was made harder when starting centre back Katelyn Leadbeatter limped off with an ankle injury just minutes into the clash.
“Leadbeatter was our best player on the park last week so to lose her is a big hole and we filled it quite capably,” Canvin said.
University have jumped the Rays on the ladder into first position while Illawarra slide down to third behind North West Sydney Koalas, who they face next week.