Canberra United's motto is "be better than we were yesterday".
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Left "pinching themselves" trying to work out how they could capitulate in such dramatic fashion against Sydney FC, United coach Rae Dower says another tough test is just what they need.
A five-day turnaround between games leaves United with little time to dwell on their 6-1 loss, with Adelaide United posing a stern test despite their winless record.
The sides played out a 2-all draw in December but Canberra have since been boosted by the signing of Matildas co-captain Lisa De Vanna.
De Vanna has strengthened United in attack and some much-needed playing time in a "fiery" debut will make her better for the run.
"The injection of energy that she added was there for all to see," Dower said.
"She had 31 minutes or so and straight away created a couple of chances, [and] almost had a chance of her own.
"Just her energy and her drive was great and [I'm] looking forward to her being able to positively contribute for the rest of the year."
De Vanna will call McKellar Park home for the first time on Saturday night as United's month-long road trip comes to an end.
The veteran of 117 international appearances will have a huge role to play with co-captains Michelle Heyman and Ellie Brush still out of action.
A return home could be the perfect elixir for Canberra in their bid to rekindle winning form as they push for a top two spot.
"The girls can sleep up in their own beds, they can get up and have their own breakfast in their own familiar surroundings, and then just jump in the car and travel 10 minutes to McKellar rather than everything that goes with travel," Dower said.
"[The McKellar Park crowd] is always like the 12th man for us and certainly I hope there will be plenty of people that have made their way back to Canberra early and be there on Saturday."
Heyman is expected to spend another three to four weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury, while Brush is in line to return from a knee complaint for her 100th club game against Perth next week.
W-LEAGUE — ROUND 11
Saturday: Canberra United v Adelaide United at McKellar Park, 6pm.
Canberra United squad: 1. Trudy BURKE (gk), 2. Yukari KINGA, 4. Clare HUNT, 5. Jenna McCORMICK, 8. Hayley RASO, 9. Jasmyne SPENCER 10. Grace MAHER, 12. Hannah BREWER, 13. Celeste BOUREILLE, 14. Ashley SYKES, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18. Kahlia HOGG, 19. Nickoletta FLANNERY, 20. Georgia BORIC (gk), 22. Stephanie OCHS, 32. Lisa DE VANNA (two to be omitted)
