Giovinco's hat-trick leads Toronto FC to franchise-best winning streak
Sebastian Giovinco scored his second hat-trick of the season in spectacular circumstances as Toronto FC tied a franchise best in MLS with a fourth consecutive win Saturday.
The 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution also broke one of the club's longest jinxes. TFC hadn't beaten its Foxborough counterpart since 2013, going eight meetings without a positive result.
Still with a game in hand, the Reds are now within one point of Eastern Conference leader New York City FC.
Giovinco took control of matters in the first half with two superb strikes within minutes of each other. His first goal was a blinding shot past goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth, and his second was a beautifully crafted curling effort.
Related - Watch: Giovinco's dazzling curling effort burns New England again
The 29-year-old completed the star performance with a confident penalty kick that left New England in tatters.
He's the second-fastest player to register four career hat-tricks in MLS history, trailing only Stern John, according to ESPN statistician Paul Carr. Giovinco also leads all MLS scorers this season with 15 goals after Saturday's games.
Teal Bunbury gave the visiting side a consolation marker late in the second half before Jozy Altidore cushioned the score line with a fourth tally in stoppage time.
It was a good night on all accounts for Greg Vanney's lot, who can once again rely on captain Michael Bradley in the middle of the pitch. The U.S. international returned to TFC's starting XI for the first time since May 21 after recovering from a knee injury.
"We are closer to getting healthy, and in doing so we are picking up points," said Vanney.
The win brings an end to a hugely successful home stand for Toronto, with a trip to Houston next weekend on the agenda.