Toronto FC: Sebastian Giovinco Avoids Serious Injury

Sebastian Giovinco is forced to leave the game against the Philadelphia Union with an injury, but it could have been so much worse for the Toronto FC superstar.

Sebastian Giovinco has often been on the receiving end of tough treatment, since joining Toronto FC in 2015. Saturday’s game in Philadelphia was no different, as he endured another physical encounter.

Giovinco was forced to leave the 2-2 tie just before half time, after being hacked down by Oguchi Onyewu. In fairness to the Philadelphia centre back, there didn’t seem to be any intent in the challenge, as he was focusing on winning the ball.

Regardless, there was understandable concern for TFC as the 2015 MLS MVP hobbled off the field, aided by Justin Morrow and a team doctor. Fortunately for the team and their fans, his injury is apparently nothing serious.

As reported by the Toronto Sun‘s Kurt Larson, Giovinco suffered a contusion to his illiotibial band on his right leg. (Essentially, it was a bruise.) While extremely painful, the team is cautiously optimistic he will be available for Toronto FC’s next game in Vancouver.

Of more concern to TFC is the continuing theme of the Italian not being offered enough protection from the referees. Head coach Greg Vanney discussed the matter with Larson and other members of the media:

"“The league talks about protecting players people come to watch. I don’t know if I can say they’ve been protected enough. If we want to keep the best players on the field, we need to make sure they’re getting the proper coverage from the officiating side. I think teams are looking to play very physical with our forwards.”"

Vanney is right – to a certain extent. While MLS wants to draw more fans, both within North America and further afield, football is meant to be a contact support.

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As such, you can’t give the skill players total freedom. Otherwise, it will become similar to the situation in the NFL regarding protecting quarterbacks, which at times borders on the ridiculous.

Of course, it doesn’t mean the opposition should be given total freedom to almost physically accost the skill players such as Giovinco. Again though, keep in mind that Onyewu’s challenge was not the subject of any malice.

Yes, it would have been extremely unfortunate if the Atomic Ant had suffered a more serious injury, but it would have been the result of any accident. To paraphrase Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Lambert: “Should we make Giovinco, Nicolas Lodeiro and company all wear skirts?”

Next: 4 Questions for the 2017 Season

What’s your take on the incident where Giovinco suffered his injury? Do you think it was an accident, or more serious than that? Further, what’s your opinion on the physical treatment he and other skill players receive in MLS? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.