Sebastian Giovinco sets another MLS record ahead of possible Euro call-up

Another day, another record for Sebastian Giovinco.

Major League Soccer confirmed Tuesday that the Italian star's direct involvement in Toronto FC's 13 goals this season — he has scored eight and assisted on five — erased the league mark held by San Jose's Ronald Cerritos, who was involved in 12 consecutive goals in 1998.

Giovinco has actually been involved in Toronto's last 15 goals dating back to the end of last season but the league does not track such numbers over more than one year.

The Atomic Ant can add to his total Wednesday night when David Villa and New York City FC (4-3-4) visit Toronto (4-4-2). NYCFC has won its last three games and is unbeaten in four but may have some tired legs after a Sunday night game in Portland.

Toronto fans may want to enjoy Giovinco while they can, especially with strike partner Jozy Altidore out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury.

Italy is naming a revamped preliminary squad next Monday for the European Championship, which begins June 10. Coach Antonio Conte announced a 28-man training camp squad this week but excluded players from clubs competing in Cup finals: Manchester United, Anderlecht, Juventus, and AC Milan.

Seba means so much to this team that we always want to have him around and causing trouble for others.- Josh Williams - TFC defender

Toronto, with three games in a week, has been similarly occupied.

Does Toronto expect Italy to pick Giovinco?

"Certainly if I'm choosing the team I'm taking him," said captain Michael Bradley, who will join the U.S. squad for Copa America preparations likely after Saturday's game against Columbus.

Coach Greg Vanney says he has no advance intel.

"I don't really know what to expect," he said. "I think he's in great form and I think he's played very well and he's obviously a guy who can make a difference."

Vanney pointed to Giovinco's first goal in Saturday's 4-3 loss to Vancouver when the Italian controlled a marvellous 50-yard pass from Damien Perquis with the outside of his foot, pirouetted away from a defender and hammered home a left-footed shot.

"A world-class goal at any level," Vanney said.

"If he stays, then he obviously helps a great deal," he added. "If he goes then I think it's a great thing for him and for potentially things that he wants to accomplish. We wait and see."

Defender Josh Williams was a little more selfish when asked what the team will be thinking in the buildup to the Italian announcement.

"Don't take Seba is what's going to be going through my mind," he said with a laugh. "No, you always want the best for your teammates. If he's called up, we're all going to be happy. But he means so much to this team that we always want to have him around and causing trouble for other teams."

Vanney and his staff knew they could be without Giovinco and Altidore this summer. The league is taking a 10-day break to soften the blow of such international departures, with Vanney saying he expects Giovinco, if summoned, to miss a maximum of three or four league matches depending on how far Italy goes in the tournament.

Injury woes raise depth concerns

For now, all that's certain is that Giovinco, according to the Toronto Star, will remain with the squad at least until the end of the week, making him eligible for Wednesday's match against New York City FC and Saturday's game against the Colombus Crew. 

Vanney expects a feisty contest against New York, who is tied for first in the Eastern Conference. 

"They are a team that will pressure high up the field in an effort to force turnovers and launch quick attacks," he said. "They can create chances but I think they can also give up chances."

With striker Jozy Altidore ruled out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring problem, Toronto's depth is now being tested. Especially, with midfielders Marky Delgado and Jonathan Osorio having sustained injuries in Saturday's 4-3 loss to Vancouver. Another scratch for the game against New York could be fellow midfielder Benoit Cheyrou who is still working his way back from a quad injury. 

With the Euros and Copa America Centenario looming, these latest injuries raise concerns for TFC.

Suddenly, keeping Giovinco would be a much needed break.