Player of the Matchday

Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore named MLS Player of the Week following two-goal performance

It didn't take long for Jozy Altidore to make his presence felt in Major League Soccer.


In fact, Altidore made such a strong impression in his first game in Toronto FC red that the USMNT forward was voted MLS Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) following the opening week of the 2015 season.



Altidore found the back of the net twice to lead Toronto FC to a 3-1 win against Canadian rivals Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place on Saturday, the 25-year-old's first MLS goals since 2008 after a January transfer from Sunderland that included a Designated Player contract.

After going down 1-0 to an Octavio Rivero goal in the 19th minute, Toronto stunned the Vancouver crowd 12 minutes later via a fantastic combination between Altidore and fellow DP Sebastian Giovinco to draw things level. The Italian worked his way around the top of the area before playing an excellent through ball for Altidore, who rounded 'Caps' ‘keeper David Ousted and buried the ball in an empty net.



After Toronto newcomer Robbie Findley scored the go-ahead goal in the 59th minute (WATCH), Altidore sealed the deal in the final minute of play by drawing a penalty then cheekily chipping Ousted (WATCH) to give TFC their first-ever win at BC Place.

Toronto FC returns to action this Saturday on the road against Columbus Crew SC (7:30 pm ET; TSN2, MLS LIVE).