MLS Review: Giovinco hat trick sends NYCFC packing, Galaxy lose on PKs

Sacha Pisani

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MLS Review: Giovinco hat trick sends NYCFC packing, Galaxy lose on PKs image

Sebastian Giovinco and Toronto FC showed no mercy as they crushed New York City FC 5-0 to ease into the MLS Eastern Conference championship.

Last season's MVP Giovinco scored a hat trick in Sunday's second leg to lead Toronto to a devastating 7-0 aggregate win and a step closer to the MLS Cup.

Leading 2-0 heading into the return fixture of the semifinal in the Big Apple, Toronto wasted no time ending NYCFC's hopes of a comeback at Yankee Stadium.

Giovinco broke the deadlock in the sixth minute with an exquisite turn and powerful low shot before the Italy international doubled the lead on the night from the penalty spot 13 minutes later.

Jozy Altidore's thunderous volley made it 3-0 on the half-hour mark before Will Johnson got in on the action five minutes into the second half as NYCFC pushed forward.

Former Juventus forward Giovinco completed his hat trick in stoppage time, with the Montreal Impact next up in the playoffs.

The Impact upstaged the New York Red Bulls 2-1 thanks to Ignacio Piatti's brace.

Piatti netted two goals in the second half as the Impact triumphed 3-1 on aggregate to reach the Eastern Conference championship for the first time in club history.

Red Bulls striker and MLS Golden Good winner Bradley Wright-Phillips canceled out Piatti's second-half opener with 13 minutes remaining.

But Didier Drogba came off the bench to set up Piatti in the 85th minute at Red Bull Arena.

The Colorado Rapids eliminated the LA Galaxy after prevailing 3-1 in a penalty shootout earlier on Sunday.

The Rapids won the second leg 1-0 to level the tie at 1-1 and after a scoreless extra time, and Tim Howard made two big saves to send the Galaxy packing.

Next up for the Rapids in the Western Conference are the Seattle Sounders.

The Sounders lost 2-1 to Supporters' Shield winner FC Dallas but still progressed 4-2 on aggregate.

Sacha Pisani