Every Tuesday TorontoFC.ca will select the player that made the biggest impact in the latest game. The fine folks over at MLS made our job that much easier after Jozy Altidore was named their player of the week.
WATCH: Altidore speaks to the media following Tuesday's training session.
It generated thousands of shares on social media. It’s already considered the photo of the year and it’s only March. The Toronto Sun tracked down the rogue finger flipper.
The middle finger seen round the world perfectly encapsulated TFC’s season opener in Vancouver. The Reds didn’t bring a gift, played their own music and made a mess at BC Place. They spoiled the party
Jozy Altidore found the whole thing entertaining. “It was a funny moment,” he said following training on Tuesday.
“It was one that was fitting in terms of the rivalry. Two teams being from Canada, the emotions you see and how much it means to the fans in Vancouver.”
Altidore’s brace powered TFC to the 3-1 win. On Tuesday MLS named him player of the week.
“It’s always nice to win any type of thing,” he continued. “It’s an honour. I appreciate the fans for that.”
The man designated to replace Jermain Defoe this season got off to an impressive start. He equalled Defoe’s opening day tally one year ago, but there were other, more positive signs.
For the majority of last season Defoe struggled to link up with fellow designated player Gilberto. The chemistry just wasn’t there.
The early signs this year are better. Altidore’s first goal was made possible by Sebastian Giovinco’s excellent through ball. How well these two players mesh will go a long way in deciding what kind of season this becomes for the Reds.
Again, it’s still early.
“We haven’t won anything [yet],” Altidore stated.
“Nothing is decided now, [but] it’s a good start. We’re a new group of guys and I thought the second half, to be a new group and takeover the game like we did in parts and really show our quality was important. Now we hope to build on that in Columbus.”
With game one in the books the process moves forward. Hopefully, there are bigger honours in store for TFC’s newest hitman up front.
