TORONTO -- Sebastian Giovinco has served up more than a few treats in his debut MLS season with Toronto FC. But he outdid himself Sunday.
The 28-year-old Italian international had the crowd on its feet in the first half of Toronto's 3-1 loss to New England when he performed a spinarama backheel nutmeg that left Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell reeling. Giovinco then poked the ball through defender Andrew Farrell's legs, raced to the byline and floated a cross in front of goal.
"The most incredible move I've ever seen, I think, in my life," said Toronto coach Greg Vanney. "I shouldn't say (this) but I watched that replay probably all five times and I wasn't paying attention (to the game). It was incredible -- the spin."
Said striker Jozy Altidore: "Hey man, he does a lot of thing that make us smile, make you giggle. Even though we were, I think, at the time down 1-0. Still a nice piece of skill. He's a great player and more importantly he's a great guy which makes it that much more enjoyable to watch him perform on the field."
Giovinco downplayed the move.
"It was just something spontaneous," he said through an interpreter.
Giovinco was at his dangerous best on the day despite missing Toronto's last game with an adductor injury. He finished the game with 11 of Toronto's 21 shots and two of the team's five on target.
The former Juventus star has 17 goals and 13 assists this season, leading Toronto in a string of categories.
Giovinco dazzled on a day in which former Italian World Cup star Paolo Rossi was in the stands watching.
