Tomorrow brings a significant game and Southern United is well aware of that.
A win over the Northern Lights in Auckland would be a major boost to the team's national women's league final hopes.
A loss would make it very difficult to get there.
The winner will move to second on the table, as Southern trails Northern by just two points.
Northern has a game in hand, as does Auckland which trails Southern by a point.
The situation was something Southern captain and defender Mikaela Hunt said was not lost on the team.
"This is a really big game for us. Whoever wins this game comes out second on the table.
"We all know that and we know the importance of this game. It's really about keeping our season alive.
"It's going to make it a really good game."
In round one the sides played out a 5-5 epic in Invercargill, Northern stealing a last-minute equaliser.
While Hunt hoped to not concede so many goals, she said the team was bringing an attitude that was allowing it score.
"I think with the players we've got, they've got that nothing to lose mindset.
"Lots of them are fresh, like Ruby [Anderson] and Amy [Hislop].
"They're two young girls who are really fresh and they've got lots of new ideas and the freedom to do what they like.
"It really shows in the games when they're being a real handful for the defenders and they're really big attribute to us.
"It's been great having their attacking flair. It's not just those girls, it's all around the park.
"Everyone's had an attacking mindset and I guess that shows in the goals we've scored this season."
Hunt felt squad depth had been key this season.
While last season Southern started well, it had fallen away as injuries and illness took their toll.
This season there has been much player unavailability, although every week the side had plugged the gaps.
Making the final remains the overall goal, but Hunt said the team was continuing to take the season one game at a time.
National women’s league
Southern Utd v Nthn Lights
Auckland
Tomorrow, 2pm
