Sebastian Giovinco had his second three-goal game of the season to take over the Major League Soccer scoring lead and power Toronto FC to a 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday night.
Giovinco has 15 goals, two more than New York City's David Villa.
Toronto (10-7-6) moved within a point of Eastern Conference-leading New York City. Toronto has won four straight, all at home, and is unbeaten in nine games in row at BMO Field.
Giovinco opened the scoring in the 20th minute, putting the rebound off of Michael Bradley's strike past goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth. The Atomic Ant struck again in the 29th, curling a shot into the far corner from just outside the area. The Italian completed the hat trick in the 76th, beating Shuttleworth on a penalty kick after Darrius Barnes took down Jonathan Osorio in the area.
Teal Bunbury scored for New England (6-9-8) in the 88th minute.
Jozy Altidore added a goal for scored for Toronto in stoppage time.