Toronto FC: 3 key takeaways from the crucial victory over a surging Chicago Fire

Toronto FC got their first win at home in solid fashion with a 3-1 beat down of the Chicago Fire, led by Sebastian Giovinco’s first two goal game this year.

Finally, Toronto FC fans got to see the team they’d hoped they see all season. It was a great display of finishing and goal scoring. Sebastian Giovinco got on the scoresheet with two big goals, including a wonderfully placed free kick for his second of the game.

Chicago was coming in on a hot streak, undefeated in their last three games since Bastian Schweinsteiger joined the team. Toronto found a way to shut down the midfield, make Nemanja Nikolic look human and keep him under wraps.

Three Takeaways

Apr 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) congratulates forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) on his first goal of the game against the Chicago Fire at BMO Field. Toronto defeated Chicago 3-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Solid all-around game

It was a solid all around game from Toronto FC. Solid defensively, strong in he midfield and clinical on offence. They shut down an offence that was firing on all cylinders and kept the big German star under wraps.

Sebastian Giovinco was on his best last night and was creating chances all game. Michael Bradley looked solid and chased down ball all game making it hard for Chicago to create chances. Defence leads to offence they say, and Eriq Zavaleta got his first goal of the season off a perfectly placed header passed Jorge Bava

Apr 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) blows kisses to the fans after a goal against the Chicago Fire at BMO Field. Toronto defeated Chicago 3-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Sebastian Giovinco

What more can be said about the diminutive Italian. He’s small, skilled, and clinical. He’s the best the MLS has ever seen and when he’s on his game there’s no denying that. Single handily Giovinco took control and put his stamp on a huge win.

None more important then the the insurance goal, off a beautifully placed free-kick into the top corner off the crossbar. When the Atomic Ant is on his game there is no one in this league that can stop him from scoring.

3. Toronto of old

Its the first time Toronto looked like the team of last year. They broke down the Chicago Fire throughout the game nullifying the Fire’s offence. Schweinsteiger was non-existent throughout the match, and that was a staple of TFC sides last season.

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One of the best defensive sides in the league, Toronto showed that and more by locking down the best offensive side over the past two weeks for a full 90 minutes.

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