Giovinco-less TFC's playoff hopes crumble after Red Bulls loss

Sebastian Giovinco could only watch as Toronto FC lost one of the biggest games of their ill-fated season.

Giovinco was ruled out of Saturday's eventual 2-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls after suffering a calf strain in the Campeones Cup. Midseason signing Lucas Janson failed to do anything meaningful in Giovinco's place at Red Bull Arena, and the bad news worsened when Jozy Altidore limped off with an apparent ankle injury.

Giovinco was listed as day-to-day prior to Saturday's must-win contest.

Although Chris Mavinga and Victor Vazquez returned for the Reds, the result was more disappointment. TFC lost their composure in the 70th minute, allowing Kaku to score a scrappy goal from close range, and Derrick Etienne wrapped up the three points with a lofty finish in stoppage time.

The reigning MLS champs remain nine points adrift of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot with five games to go.