The Wellington Phoenix have officially been knocked out of the A-League play-off picture after losing 4-1 at Sydney.
Alessandro Del Piero scored twice for Sydney, who are now in the box seat to claim a place in the top six.
The Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss was called on to make a number of saves in the wet, difficult conditions.
Carlos Hernandez scored from the penalty spot early in the second half to give the Phoenix some hope, before Sydney added two more to take a comfortable win.
The Phoenix are ninth in the standings, two points ahead of bottom-placed Melbourne Heart.
