The top five are now separated by just two points and the second-placed Stingrays have games against title rivals Manly, Sydney University and Macarthur coming up.

Moscato played 94 games for Canada after making her international debut against Australia in 2002, including at the 2003 and 2011 World Cups and 2012 Olympics. 

She also played in high pressure domestic leagues, in Sweden, Italy and the USA. 

“I’m used to the pressure,” she said.

“In Sweden were at the other end, trying to ensure we avoided relegation, so I know what it’s like in these close leagues.

“We’re building really well, I’ve asked the girls to adapt to the way I want them to play and they’ve really come on board with it.

“This is the time of the season where we can make it count and keep picking up the points and wins we need.”

Moscato is also in the process of completing her coaching A-licence, with a view to eventually taking on a national team role.

The Stingrays have recorded wins over North Shore Mariners and Newcastle Jets Academy in the past fortnight to bounce back from a shock 5-1 loss to the Football NSW Institute.

Evelyn Chronis and Hannah Beard put the Rays two goals up against the Mariners after a scoreless first half, but Daisy Arrowsmith’s reply put them on edge for the final 10 minutes of the game.