Terrible, unacceptable and disappointing

That's how Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano's describing some of their defending in a deflating 3-2 home loss to Melbourne Victory in football's men's A-League.

He says it's hard to swallow, especially when everything is done for the players to make sure they're prepared for preventing the types of goals they conceded.



Contrasting fortunes for the Phoenix women, though, who's 1-nil home win over Perth Glory took them to the top of the A-League ladder for the first time.