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Altidore scores again to lead TFC to win over Orlando City

Photo by Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports
Photo by Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports

Once again, Jozy Altidore began Wednesday’s match on the bench but, once again, he ended the night with a goal to his name.

The Toronto FC forward scored his fifth goal in six games on Wednesday night, leading Toronto FC to a 2-1 win over Orlando City at Camping World Stadium. The win pushes TFC’s unbeaten run to seven games, including six wins over that span.

It took just seven minutes for Tosaint Ricketts to continue TFC’s hot-streak, giving the visitors an early 1-0 lead. The Canadian forward’s speed was on full display as Ricketts darted away from the Orlando City defense on a quick throw-in. All that was left was a mere one-on-one finish, and Ricketts tapped a shot past Joe Bendik to give TFC the early advantage.

Ricketts’ international teammate then fired the Lions back into the match with a goal shortly after halftime. On a ball in from Luke Boden, Cyle Larin bounced a headed shot off the post and in for a 56th minute equalizer.

Altidore entered as a second half substitute once again and appeared ready to make an instant impact, but the U.S. Men’s National Team forward was thwarted by former teammate Bendik. Played in by Nick Hagglund, Altidore had what appeared to be a wide-open header, but Bendik’s diving fingertip save kept Altidore off the board and the scoreline at 1-1.

However, Bendik couldn’t hold Altidore forever. In the 86th minute, Altidore finally broke through on a pass from Sebastian Giovinco, lifting TFC to a 2-1 win.

Bendik proved the busier of the two keepers throughout the night, especially with Giovinco lurking. The Italian star fired six shots, three of which were on target, while Bendik made a total of five stops on the night. His counterpart, Alex Bono was called upon four times.

Following the win, which places TFC on top of the Eastern conference, Altidore and company return to action Saturday in a clash with the Montreal Impact. Orlando City hosts former leaders New York City FC on national television Sunday night.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Throughout Wednesday’s match, Sebastian Giovinco was an absolute handful. He may have settled for an assist rather than a goal, but the Italian was more than deserving of a finish of his own during the win.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Joe Bendik’s second half looked to set the tone for Wednesday’s action, but Jozy Altidore got his revenge with a late game-winner.

MATCH TO FORGET

Tommy Redding was burned on TFC’s first goal before playing a part in Altidore’s eventual game-winner. A rough night for a centerback that continues to grow.

Comments

  1. Still not impressed. Scoring in MLS is something he’s been doing 10 years ago. He’s still not quality. He’s shouldn’t web welcomed back to USMNT. Not now, not ever.

    Reply
  2. It’s really what the Jozy haters can’t stand. Yes, he scores about every 3 games for the Nats, but that might be 4 in 5 games and then nothing for the next 7. Whereas Dempsey and Donovan in their primes at least scored one game then maybe not the next two and then scored again.

    I still think maybe we leave Jozy off the trip to St V&G, that’s a couple long flights from Toronto for match he shouldn’t be needed in.

    Reply
  3. “Wait a Minute, just wait a minute!!!!…who is this imposter playing like a real striker and where is the original Alti-Noscore??”.
    USWNT didn’t make the Semi’s,
    Japan beat the USA in the 4 x 100m relay in Rio,
    Burnley FC beat Liverpool 2-0,
    ….AND NOW JOZY IS SCORING EVERY GAME?

    WTH?!!!!

    Reply
    • I sense sarcasm but, meh. Meh, he’s a serial goal scorer and pretty much always has been. I’ll say it again, meh. What’s surprising is that people dismiss him at 26 with what he’s accomplished. Best football is ahead of him.

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      • I’d love to see him peak over the next few years but the narrative of ‘but Jozy is only ___ years old ‘ is about to go away. He’s 26, it needs to happen now. I don’t really think he has an old man game like Dempsey or Keane

  4. “Jozy Altidorable”, no kidding that was the call from the Toronto broadcasters. Since returning from injury he is scoring a goal every 58 minutes. Even with his terrible start for the season he is scoring at the same G/90 rate as Adi and Keane, and has a better rate than Dempsey, Morris, Sapong, Zardes, and Finlay aka the other American forwards in MLS.

    Reply

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