Soccer: Loss a timely reality check for Phoenix

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Wellington's defeat to Brisbane on Wednesday could be the best thing to happen to the club.

The Phoenix were not only beaten, they were soundly beaten, ending a golden run of 24 matches undefeated at the capital. Their home record, phenomenal as it was, was painting a flattering and unrealistic picture of how well they were travelling.

It often looked like they were playing, consciously or subconsciously, to protect their record rather than trying to win games.

The defeat to Brisbane should force the club to assess things more honestly. What they should conclude is the defence is a shambles. Some of the players are coasting and look unfit, the balance of the midfield is wrong and chances aren't being taken.

Previously, they were getting away with their dismal record on the road because they had such a good home record. But, if they start dropping points at home, their season will be over much earlier than most expect.

How one of the best defences in the league can go to being one of the worst in one off-season is perplexing. They had three current internationals and another on the fringe of Australian selection (well, he was last season) in their back four against Brisbane, but some of the marking was woeful. It hasn't been great all season. Marking more closely is a must. All four Brisbane goals came when their strikers were given too much space. The defence also needs to operate as a unit. It often looks static or ragged, but it's the best they have. Troy Hearfield has looked out of his depth, Tony Lochhead is injured and youngster James Musa isn't ready.

They are not being helped by their midfield. The balance seems wrong. Coach Ricki Herbert effectively played three holding midfielders on Wednesday. Simon Elliott, Vince Lia and Tim Brown are all too similar and Lia looks unfit, letting Brisbane ghost past him.

Wellington's game is based around getting the ball to Leo Bertos and Paul Ifill on the flanks. If that's the case, they need more than Chris Greenacre as a target in the box. The Englishman is 1.8m and 80kg and rarely gets on to the end of crosses. By his own admission, he scores "scrappy" goals.

Today's game against Perth looms as a crucial one for the Phoenix. The Glory have had their own difficulties - Thursday's 0-0 draw with Melbourne Heart arrested a seven-match losing streak that yielded 17 goals - and there is no better time for Wellington to face them.

The Phoenix also need to overcome their own problems on the road. Their inability to win away has become such an issue it's almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Wellington have a good squad. They can dig themselves out of the hole they are creating for themselves.

It might take some luck or individual brilliance, but usually it's just hard work.