Wellington Phoenix were unable to come away from Adelaide with at least a point after two wonder goals from Henrique secured the Reds a 2-0 win at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
Roy Krishna had a great chance to give Phoenix the lead in 21st minute, but his penalty was saved by Eugene Galekovic.
At the other end Henrique thundered a shot into the bottom corner before the half hour to put Adelaide in front. In the 40th minute the Brazilian winger doubled the advantage with a strike from the edge of the box.
Phoenix pushed hard to get back in the contest in the second half and even had the ball in the back of the next when substitute Hamish Watson turned in a Kosta Barbarouses cross. Yet the strike was ruled out for offside as Phoenix fell 2-0 away from home.
Glen Moss was in great form as he denied Sergi Guardiola with a one-on-one early shot in the first period to keep the home side at bay.
Phoenix had the chance to break the deadlock 20 minutes in, when Adam Parkhouse was brought down in the box, but Krishna, who has scored five already this season was denied number six by Galekovic from the spot.
Three minutes later Adelaide were at the opposite end and Henrique found space on the edge of the box before firing a shot that Moss had no chance to keep out with his vision restricted.
The Brazilian was it again soon after as a free kick was played just outside the box and the centre forward curled in an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
Phoenix came out for the second period with renewed vigour and pressed the Adelaide defence.
Gui Finkler was given the chance to get his name on the score sheet when he was awarded a free kick on the 51st minute, but Reds goalkeeper Galekovic gathered the effort.
Phoenix were the denied by the assistant’s flag when Barbarouses played in substitute Watson, who tapped in before the strike was ruled out for offside.
Moss finished the game strongly as he again made an excellent save from close range as the Reds hung on for the win.
Up next, Phoenix take on Central Coast Mariners on Saturday 10 December in Hamilton at FMG Stadium, Waikato.Â
Tickets from $19 for adults and $5 for juniors
Kick-off: 7.35pm
TV: Sky Sport 4
Hat-Trick Pack
Phoenix will be back at Westpac Stadium on Saturday 1 January 2017 when they take on Adelaide United, this time on home soil!
Secure your seat for our first home game in 2017 with our new hat-trick membership. With three home games in January, our hat-trick pack offers exceptional value for money with adults just $50, students $25 and juniors $5.Â
