Altidore named in MLS team of the week after yet another goal

Jozy Altidore’s latest successful outing has been rewarded with a place in the MLS team of the week.

The American’s opener against the Chicago Fire was his sixth goal in eight games for Toronto FC in addition to the three he netted in two matches for his country during the recent international break.

He also picked up an assist by intercepting Chicago goalkeeper Sean Johnson’s horrific throw, which Jonathan Osorio fired into an open goal.

TFC are, quite simply, a different team when Altidore is fit and firing. The Reds have won seven, drawn one and lost one since his return as a substitute against D.C. United on July 24, rising to the top of the Eastern Conference with a game in hand and five of their last six regular-season matches at BMO Field.

An ahead-of-schedule return for Sebastian Giovinco on Sunday against New York Red Bulls is supposedly not out of the question, but Altidore’s form will certainly make it easier for Greg Vanney to play it safe with his star man.