Toronto FC returned to the training field on Tuesday following a well deserved day off on Monday.

The Reds are rolling, winning three straight games and five of their past seven. They sit in third place in the Eastern Conference and have games in hand on the teams in front of them.

Sebastian Giovinco was named MLS player of the week, marking back-to-back wins for the Atomic Ant. Jozy Altidore returned from a hamstring injury against D.C. United and played a key role in Giovinco’s game winning goal. Injury-wise the Reds continue to bring players back from the sidelines. Steven Caldwell and Clement Simonin will take the field this week as their recoveries continue while Daniel Lovitz did solo work with the training staff following practice.

All in all it’s a good time to be a TFC fan, and the bye week will allow players with knocks and niggles the chance to rest before a crucial three game stretch to close June. Home games against New York City FC, the Montreal Impact and D.C. United will give the Reds a chance to continue their way up the MLS standings.

Greg Vanney, Giovinco and Altidore spoke to the media on Tuesday. Here are some choice snippets of what they had to say.

Greg Vanney
On maintaining momentum

“I think the importance of the bye week is that we can recover a little bit and continue to get healthy. It’s also looking forward to the opportunity we have when we get back which is really important. We have three home games against three Eastern Conference opponents. Montreal, who are doing a good job in making progress with their points per game, D.C. again, who are on top of the table and New York City FC for the first time.”

On what has changed for Sebastian Giovinco

“We as a collective group also know that we’re doing a better job of finding him in certain places, which is allowing him more opportunities as well. I just think the group is progressing and becoming more cohesive, and within that, he’s allowed to do all the special things that he’s capable of doing. And, he has the support of the other guys along the way. It’s not surprising. As I’ve said all along, we’ve seen him do these types of things all year, in training, in spurts over various games. Now he’s just continuing to show us what he’s capable of doing, which is fun to watch.”

On Jozy Altidore’s status following the D.C. United game

“We wouldn’t have put him out there if there were any sort of risk. We knew it was going to be about a management of time and the number of minutes he actually played. He’s right there. I wouldn’t go out there and say he’s ‘90 minutes, ready to go’ and put that kind of stress on the endurance side of the muscle injury but at the same time, he’s progressed into the training sessions accordingly and we’ll keep progressing him over the next couple of weeks.”

Sebastian Giovinco
On winning player of the week for the second straight time

“I’m very happy, of course. But it’s just a starting point.”

On why he’s been able to dominate in recent weeks

“This isn’t random. We’ve been working a lot during training.Now we’re seeing the results of this hard work. Now we need to keep following this path.”

On not getting selected for Italy’s Euro 2016 qualifier

“I wasn’t surprised. Coming here in the beginning you need to settle in. I’m happy, i’m working hard and playing well. If I follow this path I will have a chance to go back to the national team.”

On adapting to life in Toronto

“I really like Toronto and you can see that reflect on the field. When you enjoy what you’re doing you play with a different mind. With English it’s still a learning process but I will get it.”

Jozy Altidore
On Giovinco’s game winning goal

“I heard him behind me and I knew he was probably facing forward and he did the rest, which was beautiful.”

On his quick recovery from the hamstring injury

“I did a lot of work, a lot of extra sessions with Brian Lee and the medical staff. I wanted to cut it down as much as I could because I knew, if I’m called for the Gold Cup, I would miss games. It wouldn’t be fair if I came back for Toronto, play a game, and then leave. I didn’t want to do that.”