Sebastian Giovinco nets brace, breaks free kick record in Toronto FC win

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:43 am

TORONTO -- Sebastian Giovinco scored twice and Toronto FC beat New York City FC 4-0 on Sunday to increase its lead in the overall MLS standings to five points.

Jozy Altidore and Raheem Edwards also scored to help Toronto remain unbeaten at home.

Giovinco opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, after calling for the ball some 10 yards outside the penalty box.

Marky Delgado obliged and Giovinco got the ball in space, sidestepping the approaching Andrea Pirlo before curling a left-footed shot high into the goal past a diving Sean Johnson.

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Giovinco made it 2-0 in the 67th minute with a free kick that again left Johnson lunging -- and missing.

The Italy international has 10 goals directly from free kicks, the most of any player in MLS since 2003, when those types of goals were first recorded by the league. He has 11 goals this season.

Altidore converted a 75th-minute penalty kick for his ninth goal of the season. Giovinco was the provider in the 82nd minute, chipping a ball over the defense for Edwards to knock in.

Maxi Moralez fired over the bar on a penalty kick for NYCFC in second-half stoppage time.