Phoenix defended well up until the final 15 minutes before conceding two late goals to end their resistance against the sky blues.

The Wellington-based outfit is now one win, one draw and two losses and now has slumped to eighth spot after four games. A win would've kept the side in the six although it is still early days.

The All-White said by sitting back for most of the game, it was tempting fate against Sydney FC who have now won both their home games this season.

"The second half against Brisbane we were a lot better and we were creating chances. [Today] we just didn't create anything. We just didn't look dangerous," he told au.fourfourtwo.com after the game.

"I think we're alright defensively for the 70 minutes but then once they scored... we switched off on a set play and gave them an easy goal. And the second goal was an error we shouldn't have conceded.

"We just didn't get going. We've got to go back to the drawing board.

"I think maybe play more of an attacking style. Maybe we try to defend too much and let them come at us and absorb the pressure and it was only a matter of time before they scored."

Lochhead however was full of praise for reserve keeper Reece Crowther who pulled off an acrobatic save in the second half.

The 20-year-old was a late call up after keeper Mark Paston's wife went into labour and had a baby just before the side left New Zealand.

The young keeper was ultimately undone by two late goals by Brendan Gan off a set piece and John Aloisi on the counter.

"He did well in goals, it was unexpected that he came in so he did a good job," said Lochhead.

Speaking after the game, Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert praised Crowther at the post match press conference.

"He's only 20, he's a good signing for the future," said Herbert. "It's a good venue to come to for your first start. But no, can't blame him for anything tonight."

However, the All-Whites coach conceded his side would've been lucky to have held on for a draw.

He added: "If I'm honest, we never got going tonight. We were probably a little more resolute around the pitch but we didn't really get control of the game.

"It was a set play that broke the camel's back."

Meanwhile an out of sorts Diego was subbed off late in the first half and cut a forlorn figure on the sidelines.

Herbert explained that the former Reds midfielder had some medical issues over recent months which have affected his fitness.