After being sent crashing to Earth by Melbourne Heart, Sydney FC midfielder Nick Carle described the manner of Friday night's defeat - to the bottom-placed club after a stunning win the week before - as the storyline of their season.

The Sky Blues became the second team to lose to the cellar dwellers this season after slumping to a 2-1 loss to the Heart on Friday after leading 1-0 at half time and boasting an extra man for most of the match. Their inability to capitalise on the numerical advantage and hold their lead was a big blow to hopes of consistency after ending their winless streak last week, defeating Melbourne Victory 5-0 away from home.

"This week showed how quick it can be from a massive high to a massive low in football - that's been the week for us": Sydney FC's Nick Carle. Credit:Getty Images

Carle lamented his club's lack of consistency and described it as a running theme of their campaign.

''This week showed how quick it can be from a massive high to a massive low in football - that's been the week for us,'' Carle said. ''We get beaten by them with 10 men, which is very disappointing and I think you could say it's been the story of our season. Consistency hasn't really been there at all.''