Phoenix end with a capitulation

Vince Lia has seen plenty in his 10-year Wellington Phoenix career, so his side’s seasonending capitulation would hardly have surprised.

The 32-year-old foundation Phoenix player played his 197th and probably last game for the club in the 4-3 loss to Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium last night.

The performance summed up a lot of what Lia has experienced through his time in Wellington. A sublime first half had them up 3-1, but they quickly surrendered their lead in the second and switched off defensively to succumb to another frustrating loss.

The Phoenix opened the scoring through Roy Krishna in the sixth minute, beating Brisbane right back Cameron Crestani to a Gui Finkler through ball in what was an energetic and slick opening 15 minutes from the Phoenix.

Brett Holman equalised for the Roar before the Pheonix went 3-1 up with goals to Finkler and midfielder Michael McGlinchey.

Brisbane came out of halftime with purpose and were level within eight minutes of the restart. First, Brandon Borello got a goal back in the 51st minute.

Two minutes later Jamie Maclaren smashed home from close range - his 50th goal in 89 A-League games - and it was well and truly game on.

The Phoenix continued to look good going forward, but their midfield clocked off on defence.

Of note were Finkler and Roly Bonevacia just walking around the edge of the box and not putting any pressure on when Holman grabbed his second with 24 minutes to go.

Lia ended his Phoenix career by winning the ball in the box off Maclaren, only for a penalty to be called.

Goalkeeper Lewis Italiano spared his blushes by saving Maclaren’s tame penalty, but the Phoenix couldn’t manage another equaliser.