Despite dominating the match for large periods, the Sky Blues couldn't find the killer blow and have now gone seven games without a win for the new season.

Last year's Hyundai A-League champions remain rooted to the foot of the ladder and a massive eight points away from the top six.

Things started well enough for Sydney with striker Bruno Cazarine giving the home side the lead after just 20 minutes.

The Brazilian import headed home from six metres out after Alex Brosque had flicked on Sung-Hwan Byun's corner wicked corner.

But the Gold Coast, playing their third game in a week, lifted their game after going behind and got their equaliser right on half time.

Like Sydney, their goal came from a corner, with Jason Culina's centre to the far post headed back across the face of goal by Michael Thwaite where Bruce Djite swooped to head home his first goal for the club.

Sydney were easily the better side after the break and were given a great chance to push for victory when Gold Coast substitute John Curtis was sent off midway through the second half for a forearm to the head of Sydney midfielder Hiro Moriyasu.

Curtis, who scored his side's late winner against Newcastle on Wednesday night, was shown a straight red card by referee Ben Williams less than a minute after coming onto the field.

The home side pushed hard for the winner but wasted a number of glorious chances and also found Gold Coast goalkeeper Glen Moss in top form.

Sydney FC 1 (Cazarine 20')
Gold Coast United 1 (Djite 45')
Crowd: 9,977 @ SFS