It will go down as a landmark moment for Major League Soccer.
Federico Bernardeschi Jersey . Toronto FC has signed Italian International attacking midfielder/striker Sebastian Giovinco. The marquee signing was officially announced on Monday. Sources say Giovinco, 27, will join Toronto FC on a four-year contract worth $7 million USD annually. It is expected Giovinco will stay with Juventus in Italy until July, although the exact timing of his move has not been confirmed. It is believed that a multi-million dollar transfer fee will be paid for the player. Giovinco has represented Italy 21 times, featuring most recently in a 1-0 win over Albania on November 18. The 55 attacking player, known as the Atomic Ant, has impressive footwork, superior work-rate and genuine talent to star in MLS. Giovinco is a play-maker and natural set-piece taker, scoring one of his two goals last week off a free kick in a 6-1 Juventus win over Verona to advance to quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. Opportunities have been rare this season under manager Massimiliano Allegri, starting only two games. Giovincos desire to feature made it clear his future lay elsewhere with his contract up in the summer. A number of European teams were rumoured to be after Giovinco; a target for many in the January transfer window. He is a player who has excelled when given the chance. Giovinco scored a team best 15 goals and added 11 assists in 2011-12 while on loan at Parma. His signature is an absolute coup for Toronto, reportedly beating the likes of Monaco and a number of Serie A and Premier League teams in the chase. Giovincos agent spent some time in Toronto and was impressed by the city and set-up. It is believed the North American adventure is something Giovinco craved and the opportunity to become a star in MLS beckons. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment were confident in recent days an agreement was reached between club and player, with the signing not official until the last 48 hours. The franchise believes they have done due diligence with the player, educating the newcomer on the significant travel and nuances of MLS that make it difficult for some to adapt. Giovinco is said to undaunted by the challenge and excited by the move. The spotlight he covets and the ability to shine are there for the taking. The signing of Giovinco is culmination of weeks of work for Toronto FC. The plan was always to replace the out-going Jermain Defoe with two players of significance. Toronto FC has done just that this week with the arrival of US National team striker Jozy Altidore Friday, and now Giovinco. Toronto FC has gone above and beyond in establishing a new core for the present and the future. MLS has always been a league reliant on attracting marquee names in the twilight of their careers. A player like Giovinco is exactly what MLS had in mind in allowing Designated Players; attacking players in their prime, appealing to both the casual and devoted soccer fan. The move screams credibility. MLS is said to be very happy with Toronto FCs capture. The move for Toronto FC is another statement of intent. The pomp and circumstance of previous big name transfers will not come with this; rather the focus should be on substance. Toronto FC now has a core of three Designated Players in Giovinco, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore all in their 20s (27, 27, 25). This core is capable of staying together for the foreseeable future, establishing the kind of consistency Toronto FC has desperately lacked. MLSE firmly believes in soccer as a growth property, with a $105 million dollar stadium expansion further evidence to the upside. Toronto FCs squad will continue to take shape in the coming days. The biggest question mark is what happens with Gilberto. The acquisition of Giovinco means Toronto FC will have four Designated Players on the books; only three are allowed in MLS. A new Collective Bargaining Agreement is being negotiated at present time. There has been little indication that adding a fourth Designated Player is priority. If the idea is tabled in negotiations, it makes sense for Toronto FC would support such an initiative. It is believed Toronto FC still thinks highly of the Brazilian striker. The chance to add Altidore and Giovinco were opportunities too good to pass up on. Its consensus across MLS there would be a trade market for Gilberto. The 25-year-old improved as the season wore on, scoring seven goals in 28 MLS appearances. MLS requires Gilberto to be off Torontos roster before the first game of the season. Gareth Wheeler can be reached at: @WheelerTSN
gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca Andrea Barzagli Jersey . He spent the rest of the game making up for lost playing time. Green scored a career-high 36 points, including eight in overtime, and the Phoenix Suns beat Denver 112-107 on Tuesday night to hand the Nuggets their fifth consecutive loss.
Daniele Rugani Jersey . First, the Red Wings scored the tying goal after officials missed the puck hitting the protective netting, then the Kings wound up losing in a shootout. That could affect playoff positioning in the Eastern and Western Conferences, and thats a concern for everyone.Milwaukee, WI (SportsNetwork.com) - Andrew Chrabascz had 30 points and eight rebounds to lead No. 25 Butler to a 72-68 overtime victory over Marquette on Saturday. Kellen Dunham posted 17 points, Alex Barlow scored 15 with four rebounds and seven assists, and Kameron Woods had 18 rebounds for the Bulldogs (16-6, 6-3 Big East), who have won three straight. Matt Carlino and Duane Wilson each scored 18 points, Luke Fischer added 12 points and six rebounds and Juan Anderson had 12 and seven for the Golden Eagles (10-11, 2-7), who have lost their past five. Wilson opened overtime with a layup, but Chrabascz and Dunham followed with buckets, and Chrabascz hit a pair of free throws with two minutes to play for a 64-60 lead. Marquette cut the deficit to one before Dunham made a pair of free throws for a 70-67 lead with seven seconds left. Butler then immediately fouled Carlino, and after he made one, Dunham followed with two more from the line to seal the victory.
Joao Cancelo Jersey. . The Bulldogs opened the game with the first seven points and continued to lead for much of the first half, but Marquette was able to keep the game close and trailed, 29-26, heading into the break. Opening the second half with a 10-3 run, the Golden Eagles took a 36-32 lead on an Anderson 3-ball 3 1/2 minutes in. An 8-0 run by Marquette gave the team the largest lead of the game at 55-45 with just 4 1/2 minutes to play, but Butler scored the next five points, and a Barlow 3-pointer and Dunham jumper sent the game into overtime tied at 58-58. Game Notes Butler hosts St. Johns on Tuesday ... Marquette plays at Villanova on Wednesday ... The Golden Eagles still hold the edge in the series, 16-14 ... Butler dominated on the boards, 47-33. ' ' '