Reds net fourth straight win

The buzz at BMO Field started before Toronto FC even stepped on the field on a night that ended with their fourth consecutive home win, 4-1 over the New England Revolution.

After Greg Vanney’s team ground out a 1-0 midweek win over Real Salt Lake, the coach talked about the Reds’ ambition “to accomplish big things this year” in “what hopefully is going to be a really bright season.” One reporter even brought up a possible MLS Cup run.

The Reds are still 11 games away from the playoffs, but after taking all 12 available points from a four-game homestand the mood around Toronto FC’s home base is electric again.

“The guys have been on a roll now and there’s a ton of confidence in the group. We’re making good plays when we need to make plays. I’m proud of them,” Vanney said following Saturday’s win, sparked by striker Sebastian Giovinco’s second hat trick in as many weeks.

The Reds played with the composure of a team only one point out of first in the Eastern Conference, with a game in hand.

Captain Michael Bradley, who had not represented TFC since May 21 through a mix of international duty and injury, made a welcome return. Otherwise, Toronto’s starting 11 for its third game in seven days was again makeshift.

But that didn’t stop the home side from making quick work of New England, currently in a playoff position with a major offensive threat in striker Kei Kamara. The Reds held New England to just two shots in the first half.

Giovinco’s first goal came after midfielder Jay Chapman laid a ball off to Bradley at the top of the box. The captain’s hard shot ricocheted off defender London Woodberry to an incoming Giovinco on the right side. The Italian buried a low shot into the far corner past goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth’s goal.

Within nine minutes he’d doubled Toronto’s lead. Reds defender Mark Bloom, near New England’s corner flag, found Giovinco at the top of the Revolution’s box. Two touches set up the striker, who found the top corner.

Toronto received a standing ovation at halftime.

Second-half finishes from Giovinco and substitute Jozy Altidore bookended a goal from Revolution striker Teal Bunbury in the 88th minute, leaving Toronto with a comfortable three-goal margin.

Vanney is pleased that the club’s home field has become something of a fortress during this stretch. When the crowd is going, the players feel it, he said. “We, I think, are providing the spark initially, by scoring goals now and by pushing, and then (the fans are) continuing to push us and we’re thriving on that.”