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Toronto FC Vs Columbus Crew: 3 things we learned – Jozy Altidore’s awful outing

By Marko Babic

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 06: Jozy Altidore (17) of Toronto FC reacts after missing a shot during the first half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and Columbus Crew on October 6, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 06: Jozy Altidore (17) of Toronto FC reacts after missing a shot during the first half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and Columbus Crew on October 6, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 06: Jozy Altidore (17) of Toronto FC screams in pain after being injured during the second half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and Columbus Crew on October 6, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 06: Jozy Altidore (17) of Toronto FC screams in pain after being injured during the second half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and Columbus Crew on October 6, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Altidore’s awful outing

Toronto FC extended their unbeaten run to 10 games with their win against the Columbus Crew. Although the Reds have played well as collective, they have only managed to win four games during this period and their inability to put teams away is partially attributable to star striker Jozy Altidore.

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To be fair, the American international’s movement and interplay have been integral to his side’s recent success, however, he has not been prolific in front of goal, finding the back of the net just twice over the past ten league matches. And again on Sunday, Altidore had one of his more wasteful games against the Crew before going off injured in the 70th minute.

The veteran failed to capitalize on two clear-cut chances in the latter stages of the first half. Shortly after harmlessly dragging the ball wide from a dangerous position, Altidore received the ball in the 18-yard-box after Marky Delgado intercepted the ball and played him in on goal. With plenty of time to compose himself, Altidore elected to aim for the far post once again, but his poorly placed effort was met by the stiff right hand of Columbus goalkeeper Eloy Room.

Altidore then had a chance to redeem himself in the second half. He seemed to have an opportunity to test Room after rolling center-back Jonathan Mensah in the box, but he hesitated, allowing Mensah to recover and intervene with a slide tackle. Mensah’s momentum carried him into Altidore’s legs, causing the Floridan to roll his ankle. Altidore was unable to continue and subsequently removed in favor of Nick DeLeon.

TFC will need their top players to be at their best against D.C. United on October 19th. With his recent struggles in front of goal and persistent injury issues, it is unclear whether we can expect Altidore to be firing on all cylinders when Toronto FC host United at BMO Field.

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