If you looked at Toronto FC's performances in Major League Soccer over the last two months, you could come to the conclusion that many of their problems in either winning or closing out matches were due to a lack of goals or a cutting edge in front of goal. It comes as no surprise that Sebastian Giovinco's eight-game goalless streak coincided with this loss of form for Toronto. That all changed this past weekend against D.C. United.
One of the league's best player, some would argue the best player, reminded all of us why even in his native country he is still considered a dangerous threat in front of goal when he helped himself to a hat-trick as Toronto beat DC by four goals to one in front of their fans in their last match. Not only was Giovinco scoring again but his influence as a creative force was apparent once again as he set up his teammate Marco Delgado for Toronto's other goal on the night.
Giovinco feels like he's back
Speaking to MLS correspondent James Grossi, Giovinco could not hide his delight at finding the back of the net again. "“Yes, I'm back. I'm happy to have scored."
Giovinco also commented on his goal celebration as well. The forward had celebrated each goal with a golf swing as he had "participated in a benefit tournament” and he felt that the golf tournament had brought him luck. He also responded with a smile on why he seems to always score against DC by explaining that as a striker he is "always trying to find goals”.
Toronto FC equally pleased for Giovinco
Toronto coach Greg Vanney also spoke of Giovinco's performance and how he had performed over the last two months, stating that it was "nice for his sake, it's off of his mind now, and it's obviously good for the team." Frustration had been evident on Giovinco as each match progressed without a goal and Vanney thought that "through his celebrations and scoring, that [frustration] was lifted."
Goalkeeper Alex Bono was also pleased for the Italian as he joked, “What goalless drought?” Bono felt that Giovinco had always played the same with his team in training and that they "knew he never left."
As always, Giovinco's main concern was helping his team get three points and felt that though Toronto was "still a little behind [in the standings]" this was a "good start" for them. For him, as a striker, "scoring is always very important” and that he had "tried to stay calm" during his scoreless streak. The Italian was hopeful that his performance and the win would push Toronto further up the standings to where they want to be.
Toronto's next game will be against Columbus Crew at BMO Field but before then, Giovinco will feature in the MLS All-Star game against Arsenal FC this Thursday and the Reds will hope that he will continue to produce outstanding goals once again.
Quotes via MLSSoccer.com