Giovinco Watch #11
August 27 2016
Toronto FC (0) Montreal Impact (1)
Weather: Overcast, warm, Game time temperature 24C/ 75F
Attendance: 28, 454
After a seven game unbeaten run where they vaulted to first place in the Eastern Conference, Toronto FC fell short in the 401 derby. Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto’s talisman, lined up to start the match with fellow Designated player Jozy Altidore for the first time since the Spring. Greg Vanney went with a 4-4-2 diamond. TFC started slow with poor passing and decision making but picked it up as the half progressed. Giovinco had a glorious chance in the 12th minute where he put his shot just wide of the far post. It would be the closest the reigning MVP would get to scoring.
Several minutes later Giovinco was awarded a free kick just outside the box, his favourite zone, where not only is he the most lethal dead ball specialist in North America but arguably the planet. Alas, his shot hit the wall. As the half continued The Atomic Ant could just not get into the game. A combination of his teammates not finding him and the excellent coverage by the Impact’s defense limited Giovinco’s range of passing as well. Things got heated between the two sides in the 43rd minute as Callum Mallace bumped into TFC’s Steven Beitanshour. A scrum ensued with a full out brawl almost taking place as Mallace was sent off.
TFC has struggled this season being a man up (RE: embarrassing loss to 9 man San Jose Earthquakes) and tonight was no different. Despite having more possession and an extra man, TFC could not break down the Impact defense. Rather than taking shots from outside the box, the Reds insisted on trying to find space inside. Neither Giovinco or Bradley could open up room for their teammates. Giovinco took a knock to his knee from a defender and proceeded to fire another free kick just outside the box in the 62nd minute. This time it was fired right at keeper Evan Bush. Four minutes later another knock to his quad forced Giovinco out of the game, substituted by Tsubasa Endoh. Greg Vanney speaking in the press conference later confirmed that it was a move to reduce the risk of further injury. Giovinco had scans after the game.
The Montreal Impact took their lone second half opportunity when Dominic Oduro flicked a pass to Ignacio Piatti and the Argentinian made no mistake slotting it in the far right corner for his 14th goal of the season. He is now two back of Sebastian Giovinco for the league lead.
The win is huge for Montreal. Not only are they back in the playoff picture but they have closed some of the gap between them and their derby rivals. TFC has failed to put distance between them and another playoff team within striking distance. More importantly for Craig Vanney is the health of Giovinco who will be re-evaluated Sunday. The Reds now have a short two week break in between games, and it comes at a perfect time. If TFC are to contend for the Supporter’s Shield they will need a healthy Atomic Ant firing on all cylinders.
Giovinco’s Key Moments
11th– Giovinco is left all alone in front of Bush but bobbles the ball and Bush picks it off easily
12th– a great pass from Osorio leads to space for Giovinco on the right. Just inside the box his shot just misses the far left post by inches.
18th– Giovinco is awarded a free kick just outside the box but smashes the wall
62nd– Giovinco collides with Laurent Ciman and gets up slowly
63rd– another free kick from outside the box this time on the right. Giovinco hits the ball directly at Bush, he bobbles it but no rebound
64th –Giovinco collides with Montreal midfielder Kyle Bekker on his quad and gestures to the bench for a change. He is substituted for Tsubasa Endoh
Giovinco’s Key Stats (via Opta)
Shots = 3
On target = 1
Touches = 32
Passes = 13
Passing accuracy = 92.3%
Giovinco’s match rating 6.0
Although lively and passing the ball very well, Giovinco did not really make much use with his time on the ball. He was unable to get his teammates involved or create the necessary space for them. Lack of support from them didn’t help either. Finishing wasn’t as good on his free kicks as usual although he did come close with his early shot in the first half. A shame he was subbed off with an injury.
MVP Watch – League Stats:
Goals = 16 (T-1st)
Assist = 13 (2nd)
Shots = 165 (1st)
Shots on Goal = 55 (T-1st)
Games remaining = 7
Giovinco’s Next Game:
Sat. Sept. 10 vs. Chicago Fire – Toyota Park, 8:30pm ET
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