Sep 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) acknowledges the fans after a game against New York Red Bulls at BMO Field. Toronto and New York tied 3-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) acknowledges the fans after a game against New York Red Bulls at BMO Field. Toronto and New York tied 3-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto FC

Toronto FC: Three hopes, one fear

by Sean Maslin
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Oct 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) celebrates his goal against Chicago Fire with Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow (2) during the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Hope #1: That Sebastian Giovinco is healthy.

It is hard to imagine but prior to Toronto FC’s acquisition of Sebastian Giovinco the club were not exactly known for finding quality Designated Players. But it goes to show how important of a player he has been for Toronto over the past two seasons.

Even in year two with defenses keying up on him more this season Giovinco has quite simply been astonishing. With eighteen goals across all competitions this season the Italian international has more than proven his worth.

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But the one big problem with Toronto and Giovinco is that at times The Reds can be a bit too over reliant on him. That was on full display this season when Giovinco went down for six weeks with a quadriceps and abductor strain. During that seven game stretch Toronto had a moderately successful record (2-2-3, 9 points) but the club drew three times at home and lost at home to D.C. United and the Montreal Impact.

Thus far in two matches back from injury Giovinco has looked good. He scored a penalty kick goal in last Sunday’s 3-2 win over the Chicago Fire. But hamstring and abductor injuries take months to overcome and whether he can recover in such a short period of time and be the reigning MLS MVP that Toronto needs.

Next: Hope #2: That Jordan Hamilton can provide a spark off of the bench.

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