NYCFC: Three hopes, one fear

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Oct 26, 2016; Toronto, CANADA; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) collides with Philadelphia Union defender Ken Tribbett (4) at BMO Field. Toronto defeated Philadelphia 3-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Hope #3: That they have someone who can defend Sebastian Giovinco.

Giovinco proved again on Wednesday night why he is considered to be the front-runner of the MLS MVP race. The Atomic Ant turned the Philadelphia Union defense into Philadelphia Cream Cheese, just devastating their defense with several quality runs and scoring a brilliant goal. He is not just a goal-scorer though which makes that much more of an asset for The Reds:

Giovinco has 31 assists, which means he’s been involved in 70 of TFC’s 109 goals since he arrived. 64%. https://t.co/Lv8uZNHDNw
— Daniel Squizzato ⭐️🇺🇦 (@DanielSquizzato) October 27, 2016

All of this should make NYCFC supporters very, very nervous. Despite having a coach in Vieira who made his professional career off of his defensive work the side that he coaches has not done terribly well at keeping the ball out of the back of the net. NYCFC gave up 57 goals this season, the highest among any playoff side and the fourth highest in the league.

So who can stop him? Vieira may want to look at Federico Bravo. Bravo had some success earlier in the season in limiting Giovinco’s touches in the center of the pitch and forcing him to go wide. He is also unafraid at going in for the occasional physical challenge which Giovinco has not always responded favorably towards. Bravo seems to be a favorite of Vieira and could be the key in at least containing The Atomic Ant’s influence on the match.

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