Melbourne City skipper Scott Jamieson's rash challenge earned him a red card and gave Adelaide the chance to open the scoring as the Reds ran out 2-0 winners.
Western United and Adelaide United provided plenty of thrills and spills but neither could find a way through in a scoreless launch for the new A-League season.
Speaking for the first time since signing with Western Sydney,the former Socceroo rejected any suggestion of untoward conduct in his controversial exit from Adelaide United.
Alessandro Diamanti has capped off that outstanding debut campaign by taking out the highest individual honour in the Australian game,the Johnny Warren Medal.
The Sky Blues responded with an improved performance against a youthful Reds side,yet still looked a far cry from their ruthless best.
Sydney FC are at risk of losing form at the crucial stage of the campaign,admitting to slight complacency after winning the premiership.
Verbeek,who returned to the Netherlands amid the league's suspension of competition,says he and the Reds"mutually agreed"to split less than a year into his two-season contract.
Melbourne Victory remain in the finals race,but only just,after Andrew Nabbout's thumping late drive gave them all three points against Adelaide United.
It's been a tough season for the A-League,but every now and then it tosses up some utterly manic entertainment to reward the faith of the true believers.
Adelaide United and Western United produced a seven-goal thriller at the Whitten Oval,with the Reds getting up 4-3 after squandering a two-goal lead
It was to be no fairytale start for new coach Carlos Salvachua,with Melbourne Victory going down 1-0 to the Reds at Coopers Stadium.