Sydney FC's start to the A-League season went from bad to worse as Wellington's Brazilian connection fired the Phoenix to a 2-1 upset win at the Sydney Football Stadium.

A wonder strike by Felipe and a penalty to Daniel in the first half gave the Phoenix their first win of the season after Sydney midfielder Adam Casey had put the home side front with an early goal.

The loss condemned the league's "glamour club" to the bottom of the ladder, with only two competition points after four rounds.

Sydney were again without injured marquee signing Juninho, but welcomed back key men Clint Bolton, Alex Brosque, Mark Milligan and Ruben Zadkovich from international duty.

Despite fielding a near-full strength line-up, they were unable to overcome an enthusiastic Phoenix, who benefited from the creativity of their Brazilians and a solid midfielder display from captain Ross Aloisi.

Sydney made the perfect start when Casey found the net just six minutes in after capitalising on an error of judgement from Phoenix defender Tony Lochhead.

Lochhead failed to defuse an Ufuk Talay long ball, letting the ball bounce before it spun back over his head and into the path of Casey who had all the time in the world to tuck the ball past Glen Moss.

Sydney's joy was short lived, however, when Wellington's Brazilian striker produced a scorching solo effort to level in the eighth minute.

Felipe showed off his skills in a dazzling upfield run, beating three defenders before unleashing an unstoppable strike past Clint Bolton from 22m out for his first of the season.

Sydney failed to cash in on several chances before Wellington took the lead in the 29th minute when Brazilian midfielder Daniel converted a penalty awarded after a clumsy Zadkovich tackle.

Daniel broke into space after playing a clever one-two with winger Michael Ferrante before being brought down by Zadkovich, who barged the Brazilian over with his shoulder.

Daniel slotted the penalty on his second attempt after a retake was ordered by referee Matthew Breeze.

Sydney had the better of the chances in the second half, but were unable to capitalise.

Brosque blasted a difficult left-footed volley over the goal before squandering a golden chance to level in the 61st minute.

The striker blasted a shot into the right upright after a failed Karl Dodd clearance dropped at his feet.

Talay also went close in the 80th minute, firing a long-range effort just wide before substitute Robbie Middleby had his effort blocked just second later with only Moss to beat.

Sydney were denied a penalty in the dying minutes after Steven Old looked to have struck Middleby with a high boot in the box.

In a worrying sign for the Phoenix, Felipe was stretched off in 63rd minute with what appeared to be a knee injury.

Sydney coach Branko Culina delivered a blunt assessment.

"Look there is no excuse, we're just not good enough, simple as that," he said.

"That's disappointing because I've been saying all along that when we've got most of the players available - and we did tonight - we're a very good side.

"I'm not convinced after tonight ... If tonight's any indication, we might be in trouble."

"I thought tonight we defended atrociously."

Culina, while flatly refusing to use any excuses, vented some frustrations over the awarding of Daniel's penalty and the denial of several Sydney appeals.

"I can't comment about referees because I'm not earning enough money to pay the fine, but gee - why is it when you go away you get everything go against you and then when you play at home you seem to have the same?".

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert paid tribute to his players for holding on for the new franchise's historic first win.

"That win was really for the people outside of the team - the owner, the board, the fans, the people that really have put a professional football club in New Zealand in a very good way," Herbert said.

"We sort of spoke about when this moment may come and it's good that it's come sooner rather than later."

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