Toronto FC: Sebastian Giovinco breaks another MLS record

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - APRIL 25: Sebastian Giovinco of Toronto FC celebrate with teammates after scoring the second goal of his team during the second leg match of the final between Chivas and Toronto FC as part of CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Akron Stadium on April 25, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - APRIL 25: Sebastian Giovinco of Toronto FC celebrate with teammates after scoring the second goal of his team during the second leg match of the final between Chivas and Toronto FC as part of CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Akron Stadium on April 25, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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Sebastian Giovinco adds to his legendary status for Toronto FC, by becoming the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 points.

When it was all said and done on Saturday night, Toronto FC had conceded a three-goal lead and dropped two valuable points. As a result, the 3-3 tie against Columbus left the Reds eight points out of the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, with a third of the league season now completed.

The final scoreline overshadowed one of Sebastian Giovinco’s better MLS displays this season. He finished the contest with one assist and a goal on the 57-minute mark, which seemed to have secured the win.

As tough as it may be to believe, Giovinco hasn’t been up to his usual standard in league play so far this season. Really, it’s a measure of the man’s talent, that even in a down-year in MLS, he still has eight overall points in eight starts.

It’s possible the three-time MLS All-Star has been distracted by the lack of progress in contract talks. Regardless, his fine performance at the weekend wasn’t the only thing overlooked by the tie with Columbus.

That’s because Giovinco’s goal on Saturday evening marked his 100th point in MLS play. He also became the fastest player to reach this mark in league history.

As per Torontofc.ca, the 31-year-old’s total consists of 58 goals and 42 assists. He achieved the mark in just 95 games, including 93 starts.

It makes you wonder why TFC have been so slow to extend a player who has expressed his eagerness to remain in Southern Ontario? One possibility is the Reds are concerned by Giovinco’s declining production since his record-breaking debut season in 2015.

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In fairness, ‘declining’ isn’t really an appropriate word to use, despite the fact the Atomic Ant’s goal and assist totals have gone down in his two subsequent seasons since 2015. But really, it is once again a measure of the man, that his 22 points in 25 MLS games last season would be considered an excellent year for most professional footballers.

In addition, Giovinco’s displays in the CONCACAF Champions League shouldn’t be forgotten. He finished the tournament tied as the top scorer, along with teammate Jonathan Osorio.

All in all, there’s still plenty of life left in the ‘old’ dog. And after reaching 100 points faster than any other player in MLS history, the Italian deserves the peace of mind a contract extension would bring.

After all, if it wasn’t for Giovinco, Toronto FC wouldn’t be enjoying the most successful spell in franchise history. Obviously, we’ll have to wait to see how the matter plays out, but for now, we offer our congratulations to the superstar for leaving his mark on the league.

Next: TFC receive a reminder of what they're playing for

What have been your highlights of Giovinco’s march to 100 MLS points? How confident are you in Toronto FC signing him to a contract extension? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.