COLUMBUS, Ohio - Toronto FC was without star striker Sebastian Giovinco on Wednesday night as the Italian was given the night off.

The MLS team started young Canadians Jordan Hamilton and Mo Babouli up front in Columbus against the Crew.

"Sebastian Giovinco (rest) will join the team in San Jose," the team tweeted.

Toronto takes on the Earthquakes on Saturday in San Jose.

There was no hint of the move to leave Giovinco at home for the Columbus part of the trip. A club spokesman said there was nothing wrong with the Italian and that the move was just to rest him.

The decision meant Toronto was without all three designated players.