Altidore stays hot, helps Toronto FC beat Fire 2-1

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Jozy Altidore had a goal and an assist and Toronto FC beat the Chicago Fire 2-1 on Saturday night to move into first place in the Eastern Conference.

Altidore has six goals in his last eight games — nine in 10 counting his two U.S. national team appearances. His scoring burst comes at a crucial time for Toronto FC (13-8-7) with last year’s MLS MVP, Sebastian Giovinco, out for four weeks with a muscle strain.

Altidore opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, finishing Justin Morrow’s cross from the middle of the area.

“He brings so much to our group, from his personality to what he does for us on the field on both sides of the ball. It’s great to have him scoring goals, I know it feels great,” Toronto coach Greg Vanney said about Altidore.

“He’s in a good place, and it’s up to us to keep working with him to make sure that he stays there. I think we’ve got the right answers for that now.”

Altidore assisted Jonathan Osorio’s goal in the 52nd minute, blocking Sean Johnson’s errant throw-out so Osorio could send back an easy chip shot past the out-of-position goalkeeper.

“I thought it was a play he usually makes and it’s a mistake. We all make mistakes,” said Altidore. “It’s unfortunate for him, because he’s a good goalkeeper, he’s a good shot stopper but he had a mistake that we were able to pounce on.”

Altidore had nothing but praise for Osorio post-match.

“I think for Osorio, he’s one of our better players. He’s so underrated throughout the league, and I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves as a Canadian National — I think he should be representing them much more.

“I just think he has a lot of quality. He’s a big player for our team. We rely on him a lot.”

Michael de Leeuw closed the deficit to one for Chicago (6-13-8) with a high-leaping header from in front of the net in the 64th minute.