Giovinco sets MLS points record as Toronto FC eliminates Chicago from playoffs

Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco is the new single-season points leader in the history of Major League Soccer, after the Atomic Ant recorded two assists in a 3-2 win over the Chicago Fire at BMO Field on Saturday.

With the loss, the Fire became the first team to be eliminated from the MLS playoff race in 2015.

Giovinco now has a league-record 35 points so far this season, on a combined 19 goals and 16 assists. He surpassed San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski's previous record of 34 points, set in 2012.

The game started off with its surrounding narrative coming true, as former Toronto forward Gilberto punished his old team with a goal 40 seconds into the match.

Giovinco then found an equalizer off a corner-kick rebound, swinging in a ball with the outside of his foot into the side netting. But his goal was stolen by Canadian midfielder Jonathan Osorio, who had the slightest of touches on the effort.

The two teams went into the locker rooms locked at a goal each. In the second half Gilberto scored once more, notching his first MLS brace with a well-placed strike against the post in the 54th minute of play.

Related : VIDEO - Chicago striker Gilberto scores twice against former team Toronto FC

Down 2-1 after Gilberto's second goal, Toronto FC clawed back. Giovinco played initial provider for TFC captain Michael Bradley, who then went on a solo run across the edge of the box before smacking the ball past the 'keeper to score.

Then, in the 78th minute, Giovinco swung in a corner kick to Jozy Altidore, who pushed and shoved everyone around him aside before smacking the ball into the top of the net, giving Toronto a 3-2 lead.

It was a historic ninth home win for Toronto FC, and a team-high 13th win of the season, as Toronto retained their spot at fifth in the Eastern Conference.