TORONTO – Jozy Altidore is having one of the best individual postseason performances ever in these Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs. Just don't tell him that.
“This isn't personal; this is a team game,” Altidore said last weekend. “This has nothing to do with individuals, nothing to do with what I've been through. This is about what the city, the fans, this club has been through ... That's far more important.“
With five goals and four assists through five matches, Altidore has become the second player in MLS history to score in five straight playoff games and the first to do so in a single campaign, leading Toronto FC to Saturday's MLS Cup final against the Seattle Sounders (8 pm ET; FOX, UniMas in US | TSN1/3/4, RDS in Canada).
While Altidore may not want to focus on himself, his teammates are more than happy to talk about his sensational form.
“He's the best American striker; quality in every aspect,” fullback Steven Beitashour said on Tuesday. “It's surprising for a big man to be that quick, agile and have such good feet. He has the whole package; takes advantage of it.”
Altidore's focus on the game can make him come off as aloof, but coach Greg Vanney said that's not the case.
“Jozy is a quiet guy. He's fairly introverted,” Vanney said. “But when he gets going, he has a big personality. He had a lot of success at a young age. You learn that this is a business, that a lot of people are business-oriented. So you have certain people who are your closest confidants.”
Beitashour agreed: “Jozy's a great guy. Keeps to himself a little, but cares about people, can crack some good jokes. He's one of those guys who's down to earth and you like to be around.”
Altidore began his career as a 16-year old with the New York Red Bulls in 2006. Spells in Spain, Turkey, the Netherlands and England, with varying degrees of success, had many wondering what kind of player TFC acquired when he joined the club before the 2015 season. He quietly racked up 13 goals that year and struggled with injury through large portions of this season – but since his return in July, he has been on fire.
In the last 15 matches, he tallied 10 goals and three assists. Add his playoff figures, and he has factored in 22 goals in 20 appearances.
What's been the secret?
“Getting [him] to a place where he was happy, felt wanted; knew he was going to be a part of building something special,” Vanney said during a conference call on Monday. “Being fully confident about his body, that it is not going to let him down. Between the relentless hard work he's put in and the support we've been able to provide, the only thing he has to concern himself with is his performance. There aren't any other distractions; you're seeing what he's capable of doing.
“He's an extraordinary striker with the ability to be powerful, hold up the ball, run by people, and he's a very good finisher, both with his head and feet. We're seeing that flourish within Jozy, because everything is in a good place for him to focus and enjoy himself.”
Vanney, who matched up against a much younger Altidore at the tail end of his playing career, made note of the continued development the striker has undergone.
“He's matured on a physical basis,” Vanney said. “When I played against him, he was athletic, fast, dynamic. He was big before, but now he's really strong. He's gone through an evolution. He's not just a guy who can run, he's a guy who can play very physical, hold off people, bump defenders off the ball. He becomes a force. I compare him to [Didier] Drogba, where if you try to deal with him physically, you're going to lose that battle. He's been learning to use that strength and size to his advantage.”
