Melbourne has opened its defence of the A-League football title with a shock 2-0 defeat to the Central Coast in the season opener in Melbourne.
The two-time champion was the hot favourite to roll the unfancied Mariners in the first A-League fixture since defeating Adelaide 1-0 in last season's grand final, but was comprehensively outplayed.
Adding to the Victory's poor night was a second half leg injury to skipper Kevin Muscat.
The Wellington Phoenix open their campaign in Newcastle on Sunday.
