Sebastian Giovinco is putting the pain of being omitted from Italy’s Euro 2016 squad firmly behind him by recapturing the form that saw him named the 2015 MLS MVP. His performance in Toronto's 3-0 victory over Columbus was one of the best we've seen in 2016.
By his own ridiculously high standards, Giovinco’s 2016 MLS campaign hadn’t yet reached the staggering heights of his debut season in Toronto. However, recent weeks have seen the Atomic Ant cement his reputation as the best player in North America. A hat-trick against DC United on July 24th was followed up with another staggering performance against the Columbus Crew.
Tsubasa Endoh opened the scoring for Toronto in the eighth minute off of one of the greatest deflected goals you’ll ever see. That might not sound like high praise, but it's a must-see goal.
After exchanging passes with Endoh, Giovinco let fly from distance. His shot appeared to use Endoh’s back as a ramp, shuttling off him and looping into the corner. Houston, we have liftoff.
The goal will be credited to Endoh, but Giovinco’s audacious hit was certainly the main catalyst.
The best part about the goal was probably the celebration that followed — Giovinco pretended as though he was about to smack Endoh for getting in the way.
Ha! I just saw this. After Endoh's goa. Giovinco pretends like he's going to smack him for getting in the way. pic.twitter.com/Gqt8sYzh7Y
— Total MLS (@TotalMLS) August 1, 2016
Giovinco’s goal in the 24th minute showed just how difficult he is for MLS opposition. From in the box, he casually drifted into space at the top of the eighteen. After receiving the ball, he exchanges passes with a teammate before curling the ball into the corner with the outside of his boot from 15 yards out.
Giovinco put the finishing touches on his master-class with an assist in the game’s 87th minute. His pass was finished by Jozy Altidore, the American striker registering his first goal of an injury-plagued 2016.
Antonio Conte said Giovinco had to "pay the consequences in footballing terms" for moving to MLS. If anyone has had to pay the consequences, it's Conte for not selecting the Italian wizard.
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