TORONTO – Is there anybody out there who still thinks Sebastian Giovinco is not worth his massive contract? If so, give your head a shake.
The diminutive Giovinco, nicknamed the “Atomic Ant,” collected two assists and had a hand in creating a third goal as Toronto FC rolled to a 3-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes before 17, 711 fans on a wet Saturday evening at BMO Field. Toronto improved to 5-5-1 on the season, and is unbeaten in three league games, with two wins.
Justin Morrow, Warren Creavalle and Luke Moore scored for TFC, all of them benefiting from the brilliance of their Italian teammate. Giovinco was buzzing all game, and could have easily had five assists, as he put a number of scoring chances on a plate for teammates, only to see those opportunities squandered. He also twice hit the woodwork—the frame of San Jose’s goal did a better job than the Earthquakes of keeping him off the score-sheet.
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The Italian language is littered with wonderfully colourful adjectives, including one that perfectly applies to Giovinco: fantasista. In its simplest definition, a fantasista refers to a player who finds open space on the field, creates and scores goals, and provides his team with a touch of playmaking genius. But it’s more than that. A fantasista is a fantasy maker, a player who makes fans suspend their belief with his audacious play.
That’s Giovinco. He’s a difference maker and he dominates games. He’s type of player never seen before in either Toronto or Major League Soccer as a whole. He’s special—very special. Even at a reported $7 million US per season, making him one of the highest paid payers in MLS, Giovinco is a bargain.
The former Juventus star has been especially brilliant over the last few games, possibly because his teammates are making more of an effort to get him the ball.
“We keep finding him more now than I thought we did at the beginning of the year. We have more recognition of where he is, which is bringing him into the game more, and allowing him more opportunities to have those moments,” Toronto coach Greg Vanney said.
San Jose is just the latest in a long line of MLS teams to fall victim to the magical spell cast over them by Giovinco on the pitch. How do you stop him? Vanney’s not sure.
“You can set up to have a plan but in the end it’s a lot easier said than done because he’s very crafty, and he’s a lot quicker than people give him credit for. He’s actually strong for a guy of his stature,” Vanney offered.
Toronto is certainly getting its money’s worth with the Italian. Giovinco has played all but 19 minutes of TFC’s 11 MLS games, and leads the team in scoring (five goals) and assists (six). He’s easily the most dynamic player in MLS. But is he the best player in MLS? The Italian wouldn’t be drawn when that question was put to him by one reporter after the game.
“I’m just focused on playing and improving. … My hope is to forge better relationships with my teammates on the field. Once that happens, the results will come more easily,” Giovinco said through an interpreter.
The early evening kickoff was delayed 23 minutes because of lashing rain and lightning overhead. Fans were prevented from taking their seats by security, and had to wait under the stands until the inclement weather ended.
Vanney made some line-up changes, replacing Nick Hagglund in the centre of defence with Eriq Zavaleta, and Creavalle played in place of the injured Collen Warner on the right side of midfield. Notably, Chris Konopka started again in net while No. 1 goalkeeper Joe Bendik was on the bench after recovering from a foot injury.
A wild 12-minute span was the highlight of the first half. A pretty TFC passing play saw the Earthquakes chasing shadows before Jonathan Osorio released Giovinco down the left, and the Italian played a perfect cross into the box for Morrow to nod home in the 22nd minute. Just before the goal, Giovinco danced his way through the Earthquakes defence with some fancy footwork before wringing a shot off the crossbar.
Toronto’s lead didn’t last long. San Jose immediately marched down the field after Morrow’s goal and earned a penalty when Ashtone Morgan was judged (somewhat controversially) to have handled the ball inside the box. Chris Wondolowski converted from the spot, his eighth goal in six games against Toronto dating back to 2010. Only Kenny Cooper (nine) has more career MLS goals vs. TFC.
Creavalle restored the hosts’ lead in the 34th minute, spanking a thunderbolt of a shot from 20 yards out past San Jose goalkeeper David Bingham and inside the post. Giovinco looked to have fouled Sanna Nyassi in the buildup, but referee Fotis Bazakos let the play continue.
Toronto was flat to start the second half, and San Jose bossed more of the match but never really tested Konopka.
The Reds put the game away in the 71st minute. Michael Bradley picked out a streaking Giovinco, and the Italian did well to control it before whipping a ball deep into the box for Moore to slot home with a smart finish after making a perfectly timed run.
Govinco’s injury-time free kick hit the post, denying him goal.
“Unlucky,” Giovinco said with a laugh.
NOTES: The all-time series between Toronto and San Jose is tied, with four wins and four draws apiece in 12 games. All four of TFC’s wins have come at home. This was the only meeting between the two teams this season… The Reds return to action next Saturday when they visit D.C. United.