Atomic Ant takes over Toronto: Top 5 moments from Giovinco's record-breaking season

When Sebastian Giovinco arrived for the first time, a fresh signing for Toronto FC way back in February, he was determined to do something special.

“I want to win with this jersey because I want to be part of the history of this organization and this team," he said.

Twenty-two goals and 15 assists later, that job is done.

With the regular season nearing an end and the postseason beckoning, we take a look back at Giovinco's record-breaking year.

Paying tribute to the Toronto Blue Jays

(Courtesy: melbooth13)

After scoring off a deflection against the Philadelphia Union on Oct. 3, Giovinco decided to "stir the pot" in tribute to the Toronto Blue Jays. Going on their own run to the postseason, the neighbouring Blue Jays used the celebration often, and Giovinco didn't turn down the opportunity to connect with his new city.

It's that close association with Toronto, where he relocated in search of more playing time and respect, that's endeared him even more to fans. Giovinco put up MVP numbers, but as an adopted son of sorts.

Making history with spectacular 20th goal

Giovinco, of course, didn't merely set records. He did it in style.

The 28-year-old became the first player in MLS to score at least 20 goals and tally 10 assists in a single campaign when he floated a perfectly placed ball off the outside of his foot into the far netting against the Chicago Fire late in September.

The goal was first credited to teammate Jonathan Osorio, who appeared to nick the ball on its way in, but the league quickly corrected the error and gave Giovinco his rightful spot in history.

Arriving in Toronto with hundreds waiting

(Courtesy: torontofc)

Hundreds of eager fans waited for Giovinco to land at Toronto's Pearson Airport on a cold day in February, battling cameramen and reporters for a chance to get the man's signature.

Giovinco left Juventus midway through the 2014-15 Serie A season, clearly unhappy with his situation as a player on the fringes.

"In Italy, I had many problems," he told reporters upon his arrival. "They were always talking about me as a player who could not play at very high levels. But I always demonstrated with facts that that was not correct. I wanted to find a city and a team that from the beginning welcomed me as this team has done."

His choice was the right one.

Scoring a hat trick against Orlando City

Giovinco's performance against Orlando City on Aug. 5 was easily one of his best. He scored a hat trick with three distinct goals: the first from a penalty, the next off a free-kick, and the last during open play. It showed Giovinco as what he is: Toronto FC's protagonist, the man to take all the responsibility and the one to make things happen.

TFC won 4-1.

Clinching a postseason birth

The best and most meaningful moment of his unbelievable breakout year came at once. It was only hours after the Blue Jays clinched a playoff series win against the Texas Rangers. Toronto FC was playing largely in their shadow.

But Giovinco ensured his side would have something to celebrate of its own.

He picked up the ball in midfield, weaved his way through four New York Red Bulls, and deposited the ball into the back of the net for the game winner. It propelled TFC into the playoffs for the first time in nine years of existence, delivering on his initial promise.