Playing for 90
Fansided

Two players to watch for each remaining team in the MLS Cup playoffs

By Carson A Merk

Aug 24, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) jumps on the back of forward Jozy Altidore (17) after he scored against the Orlando City SC during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Toronto FC defeated the Orlando City SC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) jumps on the back of forward Jozy Altidore (17) after he scored against the Orlando City SC during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Toronto FC defeated the Orlando City SC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) lets go a shot past New York City FC defender Frederic Brillant (13) during the second half of Toronto FC
Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) lets go a shot past New York City FC defender Frederic Brillant (13) during the second half of Toronto FC /

Sebastian Giovinco

Simply, the best player in the MLS right now. Sebastian Giovinco may have been inexplicably been left off the MLS MVP list of finalists, but his playoff performances can’t be ignored. The Italian finished the regular season with 17 goals and 15 assists. He’s tallied four goals and two assists in the first two playoff rounds. He is electrifying anytime he touches the ball.

Whether he’s bending in a shot from a tough angle, or calmly tapping in a penalty, Giovinco finds the net. He also finds his teammates, especially when an opponent shifts an additional defender to try to corral him. It’s exhausting for backlines, mentally and physically, when they must worry about a player every second of a match. That’s exactly what Giovinco does to his opponents.

Oct 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) celebrates after scoring the first goal in a 2-0 win over New York City FC at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) celebrates after scoring the first goal in a 2-0 win over New York City FC at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Jozy Altidore

There is no doubt the striker will return to Toronto from his time with the USMNT with a sour taste in his mouth. The US got shellacked by Costa Rica and lost a tough match to Mexico, and the national team’s all time leading scorer, Jozy Altidore, will be looking to let out some frustration. That’s unfortunate for the Montreal Impact defenders and goalkeeper Evan Bush.

After returning from an injury over the summer, Jozy was unstoppable. He scored all ten of his goals this season after mid July. He is one of the most difficult players to defend one on one in the attacking area due to his strength, and his nose for the ball.

He has three goals and three assists in the 2016 MLS Cup playoffs. When Toronto is at it’s best, Altidore is feeding off of Giovinco and asserting his dominance over the defenders in the penalty area.

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