Bruno Cazarine was again on target for the Moore Park men but it proved no more than a consolation as the club's mini-revival came to a halt.

"I expect more from us in the first half. Gold Coast moved the ball well through the midfield to their attacking players and they punished us," Lavicka said.

"We knew they have a quality midfield and we wanted to close down the space. The first half was a problem. We improved in the second half but they say back.

"I am happy with the players' second half performance. The players worked hard. We must and will stay positive."

Without strike weapons Nicky Carle and Mark Bridge through injury, Lavicka made a number of positional changes, putting the returning Sung-Hwan Byun at right back, leaving Scott Jamieson at left back and shifting Shannon Cole into an attacking midfield role, with Stuart Musialik moving to the bench.

Sydney FC made a bright start to the clash with early shots on goal from both Alex Brosque and Shannon Cole but it was Gold Coast who scored the goals that proved decisive.