Columbus-Toronto preview

Sebastian Giovinco ended his eight-game goalless drought in MLS competition in spectacular fashion last Saturday.

He scored three goals, two from free kicks in the first half, in Toronto FC's 4-1 victory over D.C. United.

The "Atomic Ant" has scored 11 times in league competition this season and he appears to be in top form for TFC's match against the Columbus Crew Sunday at BMO Field. He missed training Friday after he participated in the MLS All-Star Game midweek.

According to Opta, Giovinco is the league leader in goals from free kicks since the sports data firm began recording them in 2010.

The Crew (3-7-10) must play accordingly.

"It becomes management," Crew coach Gregg Berhalter told The Columbus Dispatch. "It becomes, how do we not give up free kicks in dangerous areas? Because he's a guy that, if you give him a couple looks, he can hurt you."

The approach this week in preparing for Giovinco has been heavily weighted toward video work, Berhalter said, because "if you don't have anyone that can recreate Giovinco's free kick, it's going to be very difficult to practice that."

This is the Italian forward's second season in MLS and the Crew has done a decent job of defending against him. He has one goal and one assist in four games against Columbus.

Toronto FC's lineup has been augmented even with the absence of midfielders Will Johnson and Michael Bradley and goalkeeper Clint Irwin, all out with injuries.

TFC (7-7-6) signed Canadian international Tosaint Ricketts last week and he made his debut as a second-half substitute last Saturday against D.C. United. He nearly scored soon after his entrance to the game. Forward Jozy Altidore returned from a hamstring injury last Saturday and also was used as a second-half substitute. Altidore is expected to play about 45 minutes.

Toronto is 4-1-3 at home this season and Columbus is 0-6-3 on the road.

This will be the third and final meeting between the teams this season with the first two games ending in 0-0 and 1-1.

"It's been a cagey series with them so far," Toronto defender Drew Moor said on Friday. "It's important for us to get off to a good start."

At stake is The Trillium Cup, a trophy that goes to the winner of the season series between the teams.