Toronto FC: Sebastian Giovinco Ends Goal Drought in Style
By Paul Taylor
Sebastian Giovinco hasn’t been his usual self recently, but he answered the critics emphatically with a hat-trick in Toronto FC’s convincing win against D.C. United.
Toronto FC‘s attacked has struggled so far in 2016, especially when you compare it to last season, when they finished second in the league with 58 goals. A big part of the reason for this has been the form of Sebastian Giovinco, who entered Saturday’s action on an eight-game scoreless run.
Giovinco had actually publicly apologized for his scoring drought on Thursday, even though there was no need to, after his impact since arriving in Southern Ontario. Heck, he’d still be involved in 71 percent of TFC’s goals this season, going into the game against D.C. United.
Regardless, the 2015 MLS MVP responded in the best possible way to his recent dry spell, by scoring a hat-trick in a convincing 4-1 victory. In the process, the Reds moved to within six points of top spot in the Eastern Conference, with a game in hand.
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Interestingly, Giovinco also moved ahead of Dwayne De Rosario, to become the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 35 goals in all competitions. This is a reflection of both how impressive he’s been in less than two seasons, combined with the lack of success during the majority of Toronto FC’s existence.
Speaking to Sportsnet’s John Molinaro and the rest of the media after the game, the Italian explained how he dealt with his recent goal drought: “For a striker, scoring is always very important.
“When you don’t score for seven or eight games it’s very difficult. I just tried to stay calm and confident during that time.”
TFC coach Greg Vanney also spoke to Molinaro and the media about Giovinco’s performance. In particular, he just sounded happy for his superstar, for taking some of the (self-imposed) pressure off his shoulders.
Vanney said: “Seba is back – great goals, great performance by him. It’s nice because for his sake it’s off of his mind now.”
As a whole, Toronto FC had been struggling going into Saturday’s game, with just five points from their last five contests. However, it also helps to play at home, where your team has lost just once so far this season.
Certainly, BMO Field is becoming an even more intimidating place for other teams to visit, something which is helped by having in excess of 26,000 supporters inside the stadium. With nine of their remaining 14 games to be played at home, this can only help TFC’s push for a playoff spot and more.
Of course, it also helps having a Giovinco in your side, especially when he’s firing on all cylinders. If Saturday’s performance is anything to go by, the “Atomic Ant” is back, and the rest of the league better watch out.
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What impressed you most about the 4-1 win, besides the performance of Giovinco? In addition, what’s your prediction for where TFC will finish in the Eastern Conference? Let us know in the comments section below.