It's been far from a dream W-League campaign for Canberra United but defender Jessie Rasschaert is glowing.
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The 32-year-old still leaves training with a smile despite Heather Garriock pushing her squad to the limit, having conceded 12 goals in the past three games.
Waiting at home is her newborn son Leo, who was delivered on January 9.
"He's gorgeous as newborns are. I'm very biased, he's beautiful," Rasschaert said.
"I'm lucky this little man is sleeping a bit better than the first one. It's been a little bit of relief but newborns keep you up a fair bit."
Rasschaert's wife Jenna gave birth to Leo on the same day as United's 4-0 loss to Melbourne City. She stayed in Canberra to welcome their new child into the world but pulled on the boots three days later to play against Sydney FC.
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Her wife was in hospital for five days, with Rasschaert rushing between the ward, McKellar Park and taking care of their two-year-old son Tristan.
"It was a bit hard," Rasschaert admitted.
"I stayed at the hospital for a few nights but had to stay at home with our other son some nights as well.
"It was a bit surreal until she got out of hospital. It was weird playing a game and being away from them, then coming back to life when they were stuck in [the hospital].
"My wife is very supportive of everything. She's a trooper and is doing amazing."
Rasschaert will have her first night away from her newborn when United clash with Melbourne Victory at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday.
Both clubs are chasing down fourth-placed Brisbane Roar, who are on 14 points and have a bye this week.
The Melbourne outfit have won their last three matches and also sit on 14 points, while United are eager to revive their campaign.
Canberra hasn't won a game since December 22 and has conceded 12 unanswered goals in the past three matches.
Garriock's side is still in finals contention despite winning just three of nine games so far this season and Rasschaert says the pressure to perform will fuel their charge.
"It hasn't been a dream season for us so far. We need to win the last three games to potentially make finals," Rasschaert said.
"There's a lot of pressure there. I think that pressure will drive us over the line.
"We're trying to stay as positive as possible and hold each other up. It's hard when you've had a fair few losses - big losses as well - going into the game."
United will be without their only Matildas player for the round 11 clash, with midfielder Karly Roestbakken on international duty.
The national side are training in Sydney to prepare for their upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games qualifiers in China. They'll kick off their campaign against Chinese Taipei on February 3.
The training camp will also leave Victory without goalkeeper Teagan Micah and star defender Jenna McCormick.
W-LEAGUE Round 11
Sunday: Melbourne Victory v Canberra United at Lakeside Stadium, 4pm