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Toronto FC: 4 highlights from Jozy Altidore’s time in Toronto

By Paul Taylor

Oct 27, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) applauds supporters after a 2-2 draw with Philadelphia Union at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) applauds supporters after a 2-2 draw with Philadelphia Union at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto FC
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 30: Jozy Altidore #17 of Toronto FC celebrates a goal during the first half of the MLS Eastern Conference Final, Leg 2 game against Montreal Impact at BMO Field on November 30, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

2) Raising his game for the playoffs

As much as Giovinco was quite rightly the main attraction during his four years in Toronto, he couldn’t have done it without Altidore. The two had a chemistry on the pitch, which helped them link up and cause numerous problems for opposing defences.

In fact, as good as Giovinco was, you could make an argument that Altidore was the main reason TFC reached their first ever MLS Cup in 2016. He raised his game to exceptional heights in the playoffs, starting with one goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union in the opening round.

The first leg on the next round against New York City FC was a nervy affair. However, it was Altidore who would score the crucial first goal in the 84th minute, on the way to a 2-0 victory; he would add another goal and an assist during an easy 5-0 win in the second leg.

The Eastern Conference final saw TFC fall behind 3-0 in the first leg to the Montreal Impact. However, Altidore once again stepped up and helped drag the visitors back into the tie with a goal and an assist to close to within 3-2 at full time.

The second leg would prove to be an exhilarating affair which went to extra time, before TFC scored twice to win 7-5 on aggregate. As in the first leg, the 2006 17th overall draft pick notched a goal and an assist, to help the Reds advance to the MLS Cup.

Despite being favourites, TFC just could not breach the Seattle Sounders defence. Stefan Frei’s stunning save from an Altidore header during the second half was the moment when fans started to think it just wasn’t meant to be their night.

Altidore did manage to score during the penalty shootout, but the Reds ultimately lost. There was no taking away from what he achieved during the playoffs though, as he finished with five goals and four assists in six games.

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