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The Phoenix came out in the first-half strong with Andrew Durante scoring within the first four minutes off a free kick from Carlos Hernandez..
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Five Phoenix players would have had Mexico on their minds, the game brought forward half an hour to allow them to play, fly to Auckland and then quickly jump on an international flight.
Whatever the excuse, it created an opening for Glory which they used to score their first and only goal of the game, down to nothing other then lazy play on the Phoenix's behalf. The defence being caught out to high and Glen Moss caught to far out of the goal.
The Phoenix continued to give Glory too much space on the field and not apply enough pressure. Hernandez was again virtually marked out of the game and only had opportunities when the Phoenix were awarded free kicks.
Hernandez' Costa Rican counterpart Kenny Cunningham didn't even make an appearance this game, and it's questionable whether he will be a valuable sign for the team or not this season.
Going into the changing rooms at half time with a 1-1 score, whatever Ernie Merrick said to the team worked with the Phoenix awakening in the second-half to play like they had in those first 20 minutes.
The subbing of Albert Riera for Paul Ifill saw Ifill do what he does best, bring the team up a few notches and help maintain intensity. Unfortunately this late awakening just wasn't enough to give the Phoenix a win with the lack of intensity in the middle of the match really losing the game for them.
The Phoenix continued to give Glory too much space on the field and not apply enough pressure. Hernandez was again virtually marked out of the game and only had opportunities when the Phoenix were awarded free kicks.
Hernandez' Costa Rican counterpart Kenny Cunningham didn't even make an appearance this game, and it's questionable whether he will be a valuable sign for the team or not this season.
Going into the changing rooms at half time with a 1-1 score, whatever Ernie Merrick said to the team worked with the Phoenix awakening in the second-half to play like they had in those first 20 minutes.
The subbing of Albert Riera for Paul Ifill saw Ifill do what he does best, bring the team up a few notches and help maintain intensity. Unfortunately this late awakening just wasn't enough to give the Phoenix a win with the lack of intensity in the middle of the match really losing the game for them.
It leaves Phoenix with another draw, something fans are getting used to. Hernandez seems to be floundering on the field with no strong players around him to work off and help create those goal opportunities he needs.
In order for the Phoenix to win a match the fullbacks need to up there game immensely, as Merrick is using them as wingbacks and currently they are bringing no joy. Only pain.
The team has to find that elusive short passing game as currently watching them play is like watching a chicken run around with its head cut off - painful, confusing and you wonder when it will end.
Wellington Phoenix: 1. Glen MOSS, 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Reece CAIRA, 10. Stein HUYSEGEMS, 11. Jeremy BROCKIE, 13. Albert RIERA, 16. Louis FENTON, 17. Vince LIA, 18.Ben SIGMUND, 19. Carlos HERNANDEZ 22. Andrew DURANTE, Subs: 30. Jacob SPOONLEY, 25. Jason HICKS, 12. Tyler BOYD, 8. Paul IFILL, 5. Michael BOXALL
Perth Glory: 1. Danny VUKOVIC, 5. Steve PANTELIDIS, 6. Cameron EDWARDS, 7. Jacob BURNS, 8. Ryo NAGAI, 9. Shane SMELTZ, 14. Steven MCGARRY, 16. SIDNEI, 21. Scott JAMIESON, 23. Michael THWAITE, 24. Matthew DAVIES, Subs: 20. Jack DUNCAN, 10. Jamie MACLAREN, 4.Ryan EDWARDS, 3. Brandon O'NEIL