Sebastian Giovinco’s superb goal in the fifth minute secured three points for Toronto FC against the Portland Timbers at BMO Field.

Truth be told the Reds should have netted at least two more goals, but Timbers goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey was terrific in front of an announced crowd of 23, 569.

Portland won the possession battle in the first half, but it was TFC that buzzed around the Timbers goal, with Giovinco in full flight.

The Atomic Ant’s play in the first half warranted a highlight reel. In the second half TFC sat back and nearly paid for it, but Chris Konopka came up large when needed.

“By the end of the game it did not finish how we had drawn it up,” said Greg Vanney.

“We ended up defending out a 1-0 lead. We had a number of chances had we finished would have made it a little easier on us.”

Here are three takeaways from TFC’s 1-0 win over Portland

Giovinco Does It Again

At this point it’s fair to say Sebastian Giovinco is one of the most electrifying players in the league.

“Since the beginning, I just had one thing in my mind – to shoot," said Giovinco of his goal. "So, I just controlled the ball and shot it. That’s it.” Easier said than done. 

He was the danger man throughout the match, giving Caleb Porter’s defenders problems at nearly every turn. Alvas Powell was the unfortunate soul that featured in the majority of Giovinco’s mixtape on Saturday.

The Reds chose to attack Powell and the left side of the Timbers defence in the first half and it paid dividends.

With Jozy Altidore out another three to four weeks the onus to fill the back of the net will be on Giovinco. Seba has shown he’s up to the task.

Defence Holds On

Eriq Zavaleta’s inclusion at centre-back over Nick Hagglund was a bit of surprise.

Vanney cited Zavaleta’s familiarity with Fanendo Adi, with the pair clashing often during the former’s time with Chivas.

Elsewhere, Justin Morrow continued to be a rock at right back and Damien Perquis was a stabilizing force, reading threats early and quelling them.

Chris Konopka continued to be steady between the sticks, leading to questions about the decision Vanney will have to make when Joe Bendik returns from his foot injury.

Competition is never a bad thing, and Bendik was the first to contragulate Konopka for his second clean sheet of the season. 

Getting Points At Home

TFC’s home record has been historically poor. If they are to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history that will have to change.

Things didn’t get off to a good start against Houston, but on Saturday they were good for all three points. 

“We spoke about ways to win at home and the need to win your games at home,” said Michael Bradley.

“We need to be a team that consistently plays well and wins at home. If you look back to last year, we lost too many points at home. You have to be able to take your points on the road certain days but you have to be consistently good at home.”

With another home fixture against a Western Conference opponent, San Jose, next week, the Reds can continue to gain ground on the rest of the Eastern Conference.