By Canadian Press

Sebastian Giovinco leads the cavalry for Toronto FC game in San Jose

Jul 18, 2016 | 3:25 PM

Toronto FC is getting some reinforcements for Saturday’s game in San Jose against the Earthquakes.

Star strikers Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore have rejoined the team following its midweek tie in Columbus. Giovinco was left to rest in Toronto for the first leg of the road trip while Altidore joins the club from Los Angeles where he had been spending a few days rehabbing the hamstring that has kept him out since mid-May. 

While Altidore remains a question-mark, Giovinco is expected to lead the charge Saturday. The 29-year-old Italian international should feel right at home at Avaya Stadium on Italian Heritage Night.

“We’ll try to celebrate it appropriately,” Toronto coach Greg Vanney said dryly.

The decision to keep Giovinco at home for the Columbus game came as a surprise but Vanney said the reigning MLS MVP had been playing through a quad injury.

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His return is welcome.

In the wake of defender Damien Perquis’ departure, Toronto is down to 25 players. And Vanney dressed just 16 players in Columbus with captain Michael Bradley, goalkeeper Clint Irwin, midfielders Will Johnson and Daniel Lovitz and defender Ashtone Morgan heading up a long injury list.

Young striker Jordan Hamilton, with a nifty assist from fellow Canadian Jay Chapman, scored to give Toronto a 1-1 tie in Columbus. The 20-year-old from Toronto has stepped up with three goals in his last four games, allowing Vanney and the TFC medical staff time to ensure Altidore is fully fit upon his return.

Giovinco has not scored in seven league games but has continued to lead the Toronto attack, twisting defenders in knots while setting up teammates. With eight goals and seven assists, he has been directly involved in 75 per cent of Toronto’s 20 goals this season. The Italian also ranks second in the league to New York City FC striker David Villa in shots (107) and shots on goal (34).

While he did not play Wednesday, Giovinco still made headlines when he was honoured as the Best MLS Player at the 2016 ESPY Awards. He beat out Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman, Kei Kamara and Luis Robles in an online fan vote.

Toronto (6-6-6) is unbeaten in its last three games (1-0-2), no small feat considering its depleted roster. The club is looking to add some depth in the days to come.

San Jose (5-6-7) has not won a league game in more than two months, dating back to May 11 when it downed visiting Houston 3-1. It has lost its last two and is winless in seven (0-3-4) — a run that has seen it score just four goals. 

But it has still proved to be a tough out at home (5-1-3) where its winning percentage of .722 ranks seventh-best in the league. And it trails Toronto by just two points.

The game is a homecoming of sorts for fullbacks Justin Morrow and Steven Beitashour, who started their MLS career with the Quakes in 2010. Beitashour appeared in 87 games for San Jose while Morrow played in 71.

The Quakes roster includes former Toronto FC players Marvell Wynne, Chad Barrett and Quincy Amarikwa.

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Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press