Toronto FC gives Italian star Sebastian Giovinco the night off in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Toronto FC was without star striker Sebastian Giovinco on Wednesday night as the Italian was given the night off.

The MLS team started young Canadians Jordan Hamilton and Mo Babouli up front in Columbus against the Crew.

“Sebastian Giovinco (rest) will join the team in San Jose,” the team tweeted.

Toronto takes on the Earthquakes on Saturday in San Jose.

There was no hint of the move to leave Giovinco at home for the Columbus part of the trip. A club spokesman said there was nothing wrong with the Italian and that the move was just to rest him.

unprovoked attack

Vulnerable man blasted with bear spray in quiet Nanaimo neighbourhood

7h ago

HOUSING TARGETS

Nanaimo named in new group of communities for provincial housing targets

5h ago

more housing

Nanaimo council endorses significant south end redevelopment

9h ago

The decision meant Toronto was without all three designated players.

Giovinco’s absence plus injuries to captain Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, Clint Irwin, Will Johnson, Daniel Lovitz and Ashtone Morgan meant Toronto had just five players on its bench.

Giovinco leads the team with eight goals and seven assists this season although he has not scored in seven league games. He has continued to play a key role, creating goals for teammates, but has cut a somewhat forlorn figure on the pitch in recent weeks.

He showed his frustration in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Chicago, ripping his jersey after curling a shot just wide. But that came after he set up Justin Morrow for Toronto’s goal.

The Canadian Press