CHESTER, Pa. – Sebastian Giovinco is settling into Major League Soccer nicely.
Giovinco scored on a free kick in the 34th minute and Toronto FC ended a seven-game trip with a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
Giovinco put it just inside the left post from 35 yards out for his fourth goal of the season. The MLS rookie also has three assists in seven matches this season. Two of Giovinco’s goals have come from free kicks.
“He is a phenomenal player. He hits a lot of those free kicks in training and sits around and laughs as the ball knuckles around and moves all over the place keeps the goalkeeper guessing,” Toronto head coach Greg Vanney said.
“He’s definitely getting in form now.”
The win was also Toronto’s first in Philadelphia, improving its record at PPL Park to 1-4-2.
Toronto FC (3-4-0) opened the season away from home to allow for renovations at BMO Field. TFC had a four-game losing streak after winning the season opener but rebounded to win the last two. They return to Toronto next Sunday to host Houston Dynamo in their home opener.
Chris Konopka earned his first MLS shutout while making his first start for Toronto.
“I thought he played great. I thought he did everything asked of today,” said Vanney. “I thought it was an excellent night for him and great start of a season for him.”
Cristian Maidana had Philadelphia’s best chance in first-half stoppage time when he crashed a left-footed shot into the crossbar. The Union (1-6-3) lost their third straight and extended their winless streak to four.
“Another disappointing loss,” said Philadelphia head coach Jim Curtin. “When the game starts out we have the injury within the 5th minute. Toronto sat back in their block of eight and the two up top just like we expected it to go.”
TFC’s Ashtone Morgan earned his 100th cap in the win — the first player in club history to accomplish the feat.
