TORONTO – Like every single one of the 26,648 fans who departed BMO Field with a smile on their faces following Toronto FC's 4-1 win over Orlando City SC on Wednesday night, head coach Greg Vanney was ebullient with the display put on by his superstar, Sebastian Giovinco.
The diminutive Italian was an offensive titan, scoring his second hat trick in a month, bringing his goal tally to 16, and threatening the Orlando defense at every turn.
That new mark sees him surpass Columbus Crew SC's Kei Kamara in the Golden Boot race - at least for the time being - and set a new club record for most goals by a Toronto FC player in a single-season (besting Dwayne De Rosario's 15 from 2010).
Add in his 10 assists and there is little left to be said about the quality he brings every week. Even Vanney was short on words when asked if there was anything left to be said.
“Not really,” Vanney offered. “It's special every time you get to see him play. He comes up with some amazing moments.”
Giovinco was a threat from the start, stinging the palms of Tally Hall inside of three minutes. Minutes later he was scurrilously taken down by Seb Hines, who saw yellow as his penance.
“I think [Giovinco] takes [the opponent's physicality] personally,” said Vanney. “When people want to play like that, he's going to show you a little more... and that's what you get when you do it, because they saw enough of him tonight.”
Three minutes later, Giovinco was brought down in the area, Aurelien Collin conceding the penalty kick, hopelessly swinging as the attacker danced by. Giovinco stepped up and put away his first of the night.
He added a second with a stunning free kick that proved the game-winner and capped the night off with a third in the 88th minute.
“If we hit a couple more passes, he might have five or six at the end of the night, but that's being greedy, I guess,” Vanney admitted.
As to whether his side was too reliant on their top scorer, Vanney mused,“Tough to say; he has been out there all the time and he does what he does. Too reliant? It's hard to say.”
“He's going to do what he does. It's the same thing that Robbie Keane does for his team – he scores goals, he sets up goals. These are the important guys in the league and a lot of the teams have their version.
“I think ours is the best; but every [club] has a guy that's very influential on the attacking side. I enjoy it as much as a fan, as I do as a coach. It's mesmerizing at times.”
