TORONTO – There's no place like home, as Toronto FC continued to prove on Saturday night with a 4-1 win over the New England Revolution at BMO Field.
The victory marked their fourth straight at home, stretching a home unbeaten run to nine matches, dating back to mid-May.
“This was going to a grueling week, three games in six days,” said Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney. “I'm extremely proud of the group, the way they dug down and competed; the way they battled.”
Once more it was Sebastian Giovinco who proved the hero, completing his second hat trick of the season from the penalty spot in the 76th minute after scoring two goals nine minutes apart in the first half.
“Sebastian is Sebastian,” said Vanney. “The goals were of the caliber of the player that he is: first class. In addition, they were critical; we were feeling things out early on. With the two goals, we emerged, became more aggressive. The goals themselves were extraordinary, but what they did for the confidence of the group, the mentality, changed the tempo of the game, changed things into our favor.”
“I'm at my best age,” said Giovinco. “27 until 35 should be the best years of football. I'm very well, the team is playing well. They're in form and I'm back to scoring.”
Registering his fourth hat trick in MLS – one shy of the MLS all-time record – and second in four matches, Giovinco is now up to 15 goals and 10 assists on the season, set to once more figure in the Golden Boot race, currently atop the standings, two ahead of NYCFC's David Villa.
“In life and in soccer, it's good to have objectives,” said Giovinco. “Last year, [winning the Golden Boot] was one of my objectives, but also to get better. This year, if you can [again], then you might as well go for it. At least that way you can say you tried.”
As crucial to the long-term as Giovinco's goals, TFC welcomed club captain Michael Bradley back to the pitch, appearing in his first match since the end of May, going the full 90.
“To get back on the field was great; three points was even better,” Bradley said.
Though denied another clean sheet by a late goal, Vanney was adamant: “It doesn't take anything away from the fact that we picked up 12 points in four games. That's huge. We're right on the tail of somebody at the top [of the Eastern Conference]; that's pretty exciting.”
“We feel like we're building a ton of momentum with our group; like we're putting on a pretty good show for people and we think it's only going to get better, Vanney. said “There's big things in front of us. Enjoy the excitement.”
