Sebastian Giovinco sent off as Toronto FC's woes continue

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:30 am

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto FC's early-season woes in MLS continued with a 3-2 defeat at the New England Revolution on Saturday night while star Sebastian Giovinco was sent off late.

The defending MLS Cup champions have now lost five of the eight games to start the season and are second-to-bottom in the Eastern Conference.

Cristian Penilla scored twice in the first seven minutes to put New England in full control.

Penilla opened the scoring for the Revs in the fourth minute with a run up the middle of the central defense and a straightaway finish after Teal Bunbury's takeaway and feed from near midfield.

Three minutes later, Penilla pounced on an errant pass deep in Toronto's territory and sent it quickly back at net to catch goalkeeper Alex Bono out of position.

Bunbury made it 3-0 in the 46th minute with his fifth goal of the season, a right-footed blast into far corner.

Antonio Delamea conceded an own goal in the 55th minute to put Toronto on the board, and Giovinco pulled Toronto within a goal with a penalty in the 89th minute.

But before the following kick off, the Italian grabbed Wilfried Zahibo's face and was sent off for violent conduct, meaning he will be suspended for at least the Reds' next game against Orlando City.