SOUTAR CONTINUES TO SHINE AT SYDNEY UNI

Sydney University Soccer Football Club are once again flexing their muscles in the current National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s top tier competition and one player having a huge impact thus far has been former Young Matilda defender Rachel Soutar.

The 26-year-old has been in fine form as the ex-Wahroonga Tigers junior was one of Alex Epakis’ stars, getting on the scoresheet in Uni’s 2-0 victory over fellow title contenders APIA Leichhardt at Arlington Oval last Sunday.

“I do think that the game against APIA has cemented us as the team to beat as we showcased the potential we have as a team and as individuals.

“We have all played together for so long and get along so well off the field and it is really starting to show when we are on the field.”

With the likes of captain fantastic Taren King, Tori Tumeth, Clare Wheeler, Tiana Jaber, Bianca Galic, Courtney Newbon and Julie-Ann Russell to name a few, it’s little wonder why the pundits have Sydney University as one of the firm favourites to take out the rebooted Premiership and Championship once again.

“Every year at Sydney Uni our objective is to win the Championship and Premiership, and this year is no different.

“I feel we have the team and staff to do it again.

“The reboot of the women’s season I feel has increased the competitiveness, as now the season is shorter, every point matters so we want to pick up as many points as possible to challenge for silverware once more.

“Our squad on a whole is extremely enjoyable and fun to be a part of.

“We all give it 100% at every session and game and the club provides us with the resources we need to succeed.

“This year we have gained even more depth and this has proved pivotal with injuries early on in the season.”

Round 5 is vast approaching this Sunday as Sydney University travel to Sefton where they face an out of sorts Bankstown City FC at Jensen Park.

Even though their opponents sit at the foot of the ladder, Soutar has been in the game long enough to know not to underestimate any team.

“We will approach the game against Bankstown like every other game.

“In such a short season, we need to be at our best every week and every game is vital including this one which we hope to play our brand of football and collect the three points.”

Away from the game, Soutar has kept rather busy as an occupation therapist at the Mt Wilga Private Hospital leading the frontline – a credit to Rachel who is one of the many dedicated health care workers putting their bodies on the line daily for the safety and well being of every Australian.

-By Mark Stavroulakis, Football NSW