They've been training on a tennis court, but Stingrays coach Anthony Guido remains adamant Illawarra can be a force in the NSW Women's National Premier League this year.
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The big wet has caused frustration at all levels for South Coast teams, none more so than the Stingrays who have spent the week preparing for their season opener against Bankstown on Monday, on a surface at Figtree more suitable to aces and lobs than first touch passing and goals.
Still, Guido has a wealth of A-League Women's experience to rely on, including new goalkeeper Sian Fryer-McLaren from Adelaide United and Caitlin Cooper, as well as Young Matildas star Hayley Taylor-Young and Sheridan Gallagher.
"It's been tough, the teams in Sydney with access to synthetic pitches are weeks ahead of us in terms of preparation," he said.
"(Wollongong) Council have really let football in the region down with the lack of facilities available in wet weather, there are more than 50 clubs wanting time on one pitch (Ian McLennan Park).
"But no excuses, we'll be ready to go, we've got a lot of experience in this group and we want to be up there in the mix. There are A-League players everywhere in this league, the standard is going to be so high, we're excited."
Fryer-McLaren has played 13 seasons in Adelaide and Guido said her experience will be invaluable.
Monday's clash kicks off at 5pm at Jensen Park.
Meanwhile, Rockdale's Alec Urosevski has inflicted more damage on the Wollongong Wolves NSW NPL campaign with a late goal on Sunday.
Urosevski was played in in the 80th minute after a break down the left, following a corner for the Wolves during a period of sustained attack.
It came after he scored the opener from the penalty spot 16 minutes in, which was cancelled out by Wolves defender Nick Littler's free kick three minutes later, which created chaos in the box and found the back of the net.
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
