Toronto FC: Sebastian Giovinco Starting to Warm up

With two goals on Wednesday night, Sebastian Giovinco helps Toronto FC secure a vital win against Eastern Conference-leading Orlando City SC.

Wednesday night marked a special occasion for Greg Vanney, as Toronto FC won 2-1 in his 100th game in charge. However, it also presented the rest of the league with an ominous sign that Sebastian Giovinco is returning to form.

With two goals against Orlando City SC, Giovinco has now scored four times in the last three games. This is after he started the season with just one goal in his first five appearances.

In the process, the 30-year old reached 50 goals in all competitions for TFC. Just to reinforce his importance — as if it’s needed — the Atomic Ant has also provided 36 assists in a little over two seasons in Toronto.

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Not coincidentally, as Giovinco has stepped up his level of play, so have the team. With three consecutive wins, Toronto FC now find themselves just two points off the pace in the Eastern Conference.

Orlando City entered the night averaging the most points per game in MLS. And this fine start to the season was reflected in their performance at BMO Field.

However, the visitors had the misfortune to come up against a goalkeeper who was in a zone. In arguably the best performance of his young career, Alex Bono did just as much as — if not more than — Giovinco to help secure three vital points.

Vanney understandably raved about Bono after the game. Speaking to the Toronto Sun‘s Kurt Larson and other members of the media, the TFC head coach said:

"“You have to have a goalkeeper who can make saves. It’s not necessarily every game that they have to pull you out, but there are games over the course of the season where goalkeepers have to preserve wins.”"

If Bono can build on Wednesday night, he will make it that much harder for Vanney to put Clint Irwin back in the lineup, when he returns from his hamstring strain. Regardless, the Reds’ goalkeeping position has never been stronger.

Bono’s performance and Giovinco’s return to form couldn’t come at a better time, as Toronto FC heads to Seattle for an MLS Cup final rematch. Revenge will undoubtedly be on the mind, as Vanney and his men look to avenge last December’s heartbreaking loss.

Next: 100 not out for Greg Vanney

What was your take on Wednesday night’s performance against Orlando City? Were TFC fortunate, or did they fully deserve the three points? Share your thoughts in the comments section.