A 15 minute poor period proved costly for Western United against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday in the A-League.
Playing up in Ballarat, United had one of their worst performances of the season, losing 4-1.
Phoenix scored three goals in the last 15 minutes of the first half to break the game open.
United were able to get one goal back through Steven Lustica, but it was quickly cancelled out by the Phoenix’s fourth.
United coach John Aloisi said they were left to rue the poor 15 minutes of play.
“What happened was we didn’t deal with the set piece very well, which was the first goal,” he said. “We’ve been dealing with pretty well of late.
“Then we got caught on the counter to easy. We had good position early and put them under pressure having our moments. They caught us that one time and they got the corner and it was the first step into our penalty box. Then they got a penalty [and its] 3-0.”
Aloisi tried some things early in the second half and were on top when they finally got onto the scoreboard.
Phoenix again caught them on the counter attack and put the result beyond doubt with their fourth.
Aloisi said now would show how strong the group is.
“It’s learning for us, an opportunity for us to show our resolve and stick together as we have,” he said.
“Sometimes it can be easier when you’re winning to show how strong you are as a group but this an opportunity to show how strong we are after a heavy loss.
“No one expected it, but that can happen in football.”
Despite conceding five goals in their last five games, Aloisi isn’t concerned about the defensive structure.
He said at times it’s about making sure they get themselves in the right positions.
United remains second on the ladder behind Melbourne City.
Aloisi said they need to continue to focus on their game and what they control.
“We’re dealing with a bad loss, so we’re making sure we still keep our heads held high.
“It’s a good season so far and we have to keep fighting until the end. [We want to enter] finals hitting our straps again and getting players back in.”
Aloisi said Dylan Periras was set to return to the side for their next match against Perth Glory on Saturday night in Tasmania.
