SEATTLE — After taking a full part in training on Friday, Jozy Altidore continues to keep alive hope that he'll be able to play a part in MLS Cup on Sunday against the Seattle Sounders.
Altidore took part in Toronto FC's lighter session on Saturday as well and now it is up to how his injured quad, which he's been rehabbing since Decision Day on October 6, reacts to playing soccer for the first time in a month.
"I got on the field yesterday, it felt good going through the motions and set-ups," Altidore told reporters. "It felt good. Today is another day to push it more and try to make myself available. This is it, the last day before the game. See how it reacts, put it under a little more stress."
Altidore has yet to play a minute during Toronto's road to MLS Cup but may debut against the Sounders after returning to training for the first time. Head coach Greg Vanney is encouraged by Altidore's recent progress.
"We were able to get him through training yesterday, he was okay coming out of it," Vanney said. "This morning we did as much as we felt we could do. If he comes out of it okay tonight, we'll see what kind of role — if any — he can play tomorrow. He's battled through this injury, I'm still hopeful that tomorrow when he gets up and feels great. If there's nothing really wrong with him, we'll try and make use of him as much as possible. I'm encouraged with the steps he's been able to take so far."
Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer added that his team has prepared for each scenario with or without Altidore.
"Jozy has been fully integrating himself into training, it'd be great to have him," TFC midfielder Jonathan Osorio said. "For so many years he's been a big player for us, he's one of our best players, without question. A player like that, we'd love to have him."
