Sydney sink Phoenix

Apparently round 19 of the Hyundai A-League is known as the ‘‘Defender Round’’.

There is even a trophy with a shinpad attached for the best defender from across the five games. Whichever marketing guru came up with that idea forgot to tell the Wellington Phoenix as they produced an erratic defensive display in their 3-1 loss to Sydney FC on Thursday night.

Sydney’s first goal, within 180 seconds of kickoff, was all too easy as they broke quickly from midfield. Alex Brosque glided down the left wing unopposed before clipping a ball to the back post for an unmarked Rhyan Grant to head home.

Sydney’s attack as they produced a sublime bit of football to score their second in the 22nd minute. The move included five consecutive one-touch passes ending in a Grant cross, which found Bobo to finish with his head and complete what could well be the team goal of the season.

It seemed like game over at that point given Sydney had not lost in their first 18 matches this season.

But no-one told Alex Rodriguez, a midfielder who had never scored in his 63 previous A-League games for the Phoenix. It was only fitting that he broke his duck with an amazing bit of skill. He somehow met Gui Finkler’s whipped corner with a back-flicking heel at about chest height which Sydney goalkeeper Danny Vukovic could only palm into his own net.

Rodriguez turned villian with a woeful backpass to Durante that allowed Milos Ninkovic to swoop and make the margin safe.

Sydney are 12 points clear at the top, while the Phoenix languish in eighth.