An Ashleigh Sykes goal lifted Canberra United to an emotional win on Sunday, coach Rae Dower dedicating the result to one of her soccer mentors after his death.
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Dower will stay in Brisbane to attend the funeral of Guenter Pfuhl on Wednesday to pay her respects to a man she says helped ignite her soccer passion.
Canberra's players rose to the occasion to help Dower pay homage to Pfuhl and the influence he had on her career.
"He was a very, very huge advocate of women's support and coached so many of the girls across different generations," Dower said.
"He coached Queensland's team at the national championship for 20 years so it's been a bit of a tough week with his passing.
"I really want to dedicate [the win] to him because he certainly instilled a very strong passion for football and coaching in me.
"He had a massive influence on me and a lot of girls in the football fraternity as well."
Canberra went to Brisbane searching for their first win of the year after having the bye in round one and falling to Melbourne City in round two.
The game was deadlocked at 0-0 at half-time and Canberra was dealt a blow when US import Jasmyne Spencer was carried off with an ankle injury.
But Dower turned to Young Matildas skipper Grace Maher to step up in defence and the 18-year-old didn't disappoint in her role down back.
In the end it was reigning W-League player of the year Sykes who delivered the match-winner, slotting home a crucial goal after a Hayley Raso cross and Michelle Heyman assist.
Dower praised her attack, but also made special mention of goalkeeper Trudy Burke, who managed to fend off the constant Brisbane attack.
United will have to wait until Spencer has scans on her ankle before knowing if she will be fit to play against Newcastle at McKellar Park on Saturday.
"It was a pretty tough battle out there and it really was a hard-fought victory for us," Dower said.
"Ash was outstanding again and is a quality player, she showed why she's the reigning Julie Dolan medal winner, it was a great display.
"We want to play an attacking style and that's coming together really well. We want to be a high-tempo team and [against Brisbane] we probably got into the battle a bit more than we would've liked."
AT A GLANCE
W-League round three: CANBERRA UNITED 1 (Ashleigh Sykes 54') bt BRISBANE ROAR 0 at AJ Kelly Field on Sunday. Crowd: 1613.
Saturday: Canberra United v Newcastle Jets at McKellar Park, 4pm.
