Toronto FC begin a difficult string of games against the New England Revolution on Sunday, yet the Reds may be able to embark upon the stretch with the return of Sebastian Giovinco.
The Italian was unavailable in Toronto's 2-1 away defeat to Seattle Sounders last week, but a glimmer of hope for his return against New England has been confirmed by manager Greg Vanney via Sportsnet.
The prolific forward re-aggravated his adductor injury against the Montreal Impact in the 401 Derby, but has been said to be healing well. For Toronto, Giovinco has been nothing short of incredible, starting in all 25 of the club's MLS matches until their clash with Seattle.
Thus, having him during the club's big string of difficult games would be necessary, yet also risky as they look towards their matches against New York City FC and the Colorado Rapids in the near future. Against New England, though, the club have a crucial match in front of them.
The Revolution sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and Vanney's men are pushing forward to not only make the playoffs but survive the difficult games in hand. Along with Giovinco, Benoit Cheyrou and Ahmed Kantari both missed the Seattle match and sources have said they both did not attend the club's last training session.
The club's test against Seattle was unfairly measured as they were also without Jozy Altidore, who returns from International duty to play New England at the perfect time for the Reds. The Revolution will not be a dimmed test with the return of TFC's best starting lineup.
Jay Heaps' side are coming to BMO Field having won their last four matches and are unbeaten in five. The matchup between the two sides will be tightly contested and if TFC do pull off a victory it would be a six point swing for Vanney's side.
Vanney spoke to the Toronto Star about how important the next stretch is from his club: “It’s about us performing well, building momentum, continuing to grow . . . into this final stretch and take as many points as we can. We all know in this league it’s the team who’s playing the best down the stretch who tends to go the farthest come playoff time.”
With six weeks left in the season and TFC sitting one place behind their Sunday opponents in the Eastern conference, the match has never been more crucial to win.
Not only can the win rebuild the confidence of a recently defeated squad, but it can help Toronto’s trajectory towards competing for a potential top four finish to the season.
