The Sky Blues found themselves chasing the match from as early as the seventh minute when Paul Ifill grabbed the game's opener and they were lucky not to be further behind by the break as Phoenix missed a string of chances.

A stunning long-range volley from Tim Brown just before the hour mark doubled Phoenix's lead and substitute Bruno Cazarine's 70th-minute effort proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

It meant back-to-back losses for Sydney, who have found themselves having to come from behind on several occasions this season.

"We didn't start well and conceded a goal very early. It was another soft mistake by our defence," said a disappointed Lavicka.

"After that we tried to play football but the home team played very aggressively and very effectively.

"Defensively they were very hard (to break down) and they worked us very hard and caused trouble for us.

"In the second half we improved but another soft mistake and very aggressive play created the second goal for the home team. We have to improve next week."

For the second week in a row, Lavicka was left to bemoan soft mistakes on defence.

Against the Central Coast Mariners Sydney also coughed up a two-goal lead which they couldn't claw back, eventually going down 3-2 at home.

"We are making soft mistakes on defence and it's killing us," Lavicka said. "When you're two down it's very difficult to turn the game and come from behind.

"Today we scored the goal and created other opportunities but it wasn't enough to pick up the points. We have to fix it and do it better next time."

Despite his goal-scoring efforts – and successive losses for the team - Cazarine still looks destined for further time on the bench.

"We have more options than last season," said Lavicka.

"We've put (Mark) Bridge in the starting line-up. He is a more mobile player.

"But Bruno is always dangerous when he plays. It doesn't matter whether he's starting or coming on in the game he's a very dangerous player and is able to score goals."