The post-Giovinco era is off to a rough start in Toronto.
In their first two games since the Italian star departed, TFC shipped four goals to Panamanian side Independiente, then only managed a 1-1 draw in the return leg on Tuesday. The 5-1 aggregate defeat ended TFC’s hopes of returning to the CONCACAF Champions League final, and it’s sparked worries about Toronto’s upcoming MLS campaign.
This is great news for the Union, of course. TFC regressed big time last season, finishing 9th in the East after falling in the CCL Final on penalties. If it weren’t for Giovinco, who tallied 15 goals and 13 assists in 28 games, it would have been even uglier.