Mexican striker Ulises Davila has missed a crucial late penalty, as Wellington Phoenix managed only a 1-1 draw against Adelaide United, snuffing out their slim hopes of an A-League regular-season title.
Entering the game as a half-time replacement, the league's top scorer from the spot had a chance to claim maximum points for the NZ-based side, after Reno Piscopo lured defender Mohamed Toure into a clumsy foul inside the box, leaving the referee no choice.
But Davila could not beat Adelaide goalie Paul Izzo with a weak left-footed effort aimed at the bottom left corner and chance was squandered.
The result sees the Phoenix edge into second on the A-League table - on goal difference - over Melbourne City with three games each remaining. It also means Sydney FC cannot be headed for the regular-season crown, sitting 11 points clear with four to play.
After a scoreless opening half dominated by Adelaide, Davila's introduction sparked the Phoenix to life, although they conceded the first goal, when Ben Halloran beat Josh Sotirio down the right flank and crossed into the Phoenix box.
Outnumbered in front of goal, Kristian Opseth somehow popped up between defenders to head past keeper Stefan Marinovic into the bottom right corner to put his team ahead.
Moments later, Sotirio equalised, beating the offside trap to secure a through-ball, with just Izzo to beat. The advancing goalie deflected the first attempt, but Sotirio regathered to steer his second effort home.
While the foul on Piscopo was relatively clearcut, the Phoenix could easily have had two more penalties. The same player was nudged off balance in the opening half hour, but fought to stay on his feet, letting the referee off the hook.
Soon after Opseth's opener, Liberato Cacace was also impeded and stumbled through the penalty area without quite hitting the deck, and his misguided pass was easily cleared.
Since resuming their campaign from the coronavirus shutdown, the Phoenix have played three games in eight days and made six changes to the starting line-up against Perth on Wednesday.
Their next outing is against West Sydney Wanderers on Friday.
Phoenix 1 (Sotirio 65') Adelaide 1 (Opseth 60')
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