There’s no question that Sebastian Giovinco has played a massive part in Toronto FC’s success this season.
TFC is closing in on a historic first-ever MLS playoff berth in 2015, and they largely have Giovinco to thank for it—it’s not a stretch to suggest the Reds would not be where they are today if not for the mercurial talents of their Italian forward.
That’s why Saturday evening’s road game against the Seattle Sounders is such an intriguing contest and a big test for Toronto, as they’ll be without the services of Giovinco, who is still nursing a nagging abductor injury.
More on Toronto FC: Soccer reporter John Molinaro joined Sportsnet 590 The FAN to preview Saturday’s Seattle-Toronto game. Molinaro also discussed Canada’s 3-0 win over Belize in World Cup qualifying. To listen to the interview CLICK HERE.
Giovinco won’t be the only absentee. Also missing are Jozy Altidore (away with the U.S. national team) and midfielder Collen Warner (serving a two-game suspension).
The loss of Giovinco and Altidore are big blows for Toronto—they are the club’s two leading scorers and they’ve combined for 27 of the Reds’ 44 goals this season, or 62 percent. Altidore, especially, has been in fine form, bagging three goals in his last two games, all as a substitute.
Giovinco was supposed to miss Saturday’s game after being called up by the Italian national team for a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match, but the injury ruled him out. The Italian, who has started all 25 regular season games this season, is expected to return for next weekend’s home game, so coach Greg Vanney is choosing to look at the positive of this injury.
“We were going to lose him this weekend one way or the other,” Vanney said. “I see this as an opportunity; a chance for him to relax, physically and mentally recover, and prepare for the final stretch. Sometimes injuries are hidden gems.”
He later added: “It’s an opportunity for a couple of guys to get a run out. We’re going to need everyone as we push towards the playoffs.”
Vanney will have to turn to his bench to fill the holes left by Giovinco and Altidore. Among the players he could turn to are Herculez Gomez (who’s made one substitute appearance since joining the club last month), Luke Moore (he’s made only five league appearances this season; the last one coming in June) and Robbie Findley (who’s floated in and out of the lineup).
They don’t sound like ideal options, but Vanney is convinced they can do the job if called upon.
“The good thing is we have lots of forwards on our team,” Vanney said optimistically earlier this week.
Although Vanney wouldn’t tip his hand, look for Gomez to start on Saturday. The former U.S. international has a wealth of experience, and he was signed by Toronto for exactly this reason—as cover for when either Giovinco or Altidore are missing.
Gomez is ready to go despite his lack of playing time since arriving in Toronto.
“I’ve been racing against time to get as much match fitness under my belt to be ready when called upon,” Gomez said this week. “But to be quite honest I feel good, and the only way to get that fitness is to be out there.”
Some good news for TFC is that they’ll have key midfielders Michael Bradley and Jonathan Osorio with them in Seattle. Bradley skipped a U.S. friendly against Peru so that he could play for Toronto—he’ll rejoin the U.S. side midweek for a game against Brazil. Osorio wasn’t called up by Canada for a pair of World Cup qualifying games against Belize.
Toronto returns to action next Sunday when they host the New England Revolution.
Soccer Central podcast: SPORTSNET.CA’s Soccer Central podcast, hosted by John Molinaro and James Sharman, takes an in-depth look at the beautiful game and offers timely and thoughtful analysis on the sport’s biggest issues. To listen and subscribe to the podcast, CLICK HERE.