Playing in MLS for the first time in seven years, Jozy Altidore showed why Toronto FC wanted him. Altidore scored two goals, one from the run of play and the other on a penalty, to lead his new team to a 3-1 victory over their Canadian rivals, the Vancouver Whitecaps.
In just one game, Altidore scored as many goals in his club debut than his entire output from the last two seasons. While Jozy was overseas playing for Sunderland, he struggled to find consistent playing time and that is why his goal production halted. Prior to his move to Sunderland, he played two seasons at AZ Alkmaar of the Eredivisie league in the Netherlands. In his 67 appearances he scored 39 goals and was sought after by a few teams in the Barclays Premier League.
With his moved back to MLS, he has a potential to be one of the most dangerous strikers in the league. It should also help with his production for the United States Men's national team. Even though it is just one game, there are huge expectations in Toronto as they look to make their first ever MLS Cup Playoffs appearance.
“Jozy played like a monster out there,” Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney told MLSsoccer.com over the phone after the match. “The ball he took down and how he took it down and protected it when he got brought down for a penalty kick was a world-class play. I think the people who were questioning Jozy probably got a real quick image, now, of what he is capable of and what they’re going to see a lot more of in this league.”
Altidore is strong and can get physical with defenders, which is a must in MLS if a striker wants to be successful. Let's see how many more Player of the Week awards Altidore wins this year.