MLS Review: Giovinco scores another hat-trick, Rapids bounce back

Another dazzling performance and hat-trick from Sebastian Giovinco led the streaking Toronto FC to a 4-1 win over New England Revolution on Saturday.

A fortnight on from his hat-trick against DC United, reigning MLS MVP Giovinco was at it again with a three-goal haul to inspire Toronto a fourth consecutive win.

Giovinco produced yet another stow-stopping display to take his tally to seven goals in four matches, setting the tone in the 20th minute thanks to a thunderous volley with the outside of his boot, which curled around Kei Kamara and New England goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth in Toronto.

Sebastian Giovinco is life. #TFCLive #TORvNE pic.twitter.com/A9buyejL7W

— Toronto FC (@torontofc) August 7, 2016

If the first goal was not enough, Giovinco went a long way to outdo his opening effort, finding the top-left corner of the net nine minutes later.

Sebastian Giovinco. Again. #TFCLive #TORvNE pic.twitter.com/rpCbuR4hUS

— Toronto FC (@torontofc) August 7, 2016

Giovinco completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot with 14 minutes remaining for a league-leading 15th goal of the season, before Revs substitute Teal Bunbury pulled a goal back in the 88th minute, only for Jozy Altidore to come off the bench and restore Toronto’s three-goal cushion in stoppage time.

Make it 4 for 4. @JozyAltidore makes it 4-1. #TFCLive #TORvNE pic.twitter.com/Il7fFqZfwS

— Toronto FC (@torontofc) August 7, 2016

Toronto are second in the Eastern Conference, only a point adrift of New York City with a game in hand, and three clear of Montreal Impact.

Matteo Mancosu – on loan from Bologna – helped the Impact to a 1-0 win over lowly Houston Dynamo in the absence of suspended star striker Didier Drogba.

Revoyez le but de @mamanc11 face à Houston!
Watch Mancosu’s game winning goal against Houston!#IMFC #MTLvHOUhttps://t.co/nj4Okwk6r5

— Impact de Montréal (@impactmontreal) August 7, 2016

Colorado Rapids remain in hot pursuit of FC Dallas in the Western Conference after seeing off Vancouver Whitecaps 2-0.

Marlon Hairston and Dominique Badji inspired the second-placed Rapids, who are three points behind Dallas with two games in hand.

In other results, Steven Birnbaum salvaged a last-gasp 2-2 draw for DC at home to Philadelphia Union, the defender equalising in the 94th minute.

A brace from Javier Morales saw Real Salt Lake past Chicago Fire 3-1.