Sebastian Giovinco named 2015 MLS Newcomer of the Year

On Monday, Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco, was officially named the 2015 MLS Newcomer of the Year.

Sebastian Giovinco has had quite the start to his Major League Soccer career. In his debut MLS campaign, the Atomic Ant, may have had the greatest individual season in league history, leading the league in both goals and assists. He became the first player in MLS history to combine 20 goals with at least 10 assists, finishing the season with 22 goals and 16 helpers.

On Monday, Giovinco’s stellar season was formally recognized by the league, as he was officially named the 2015 MLS Newcomer of the Year.

The 28-year-old became the first player since, Roberto Donadoni, in 1996, to be called up to the Italian national team while he was plying his trade in MLS. Both Giovinco and New York City FC’s Andrea Pirlo, received the call-up from the Azzurri tactician, Antonio Conte, for Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Along with being named the 2015 MLS Golden Boot winner and the 2015 MLS Newcomer of the Year, Giovinco is also a finalist for this year’s MLS MVP award. The striker faces stiff competition from the Columbus Crew’s Kei kamara and Sporting Kansas City’s Benny Feilhaber, but is expected to take home the hardware on December 3rd.

The Atomic Ant arrived in Toronto on a free transfer in January 2015, as his contract was set to expire with Italian giants, Juventus. Despite being linked with moves elsewhere, Giovinco has made it clear on several occasions that he is enjoying his time in Toronto and has no plans of leaving in the near future.

"“Personally, [I’m] very happy, it has been a very good season; a great season.”"

Toronto FC earned a spot in the MLS playoffs for the first time in 2015, but failed to get past the opening round.