Toronto FC’s Altidore voted US Male Player of Year, Pulisic top youngster

CHICAGO – Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore has been selected the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Male Player of the Year in a close vote over Bobby Wood, and 18-year-old Christian Pulisic was an overwhelming choice as Young Male Player of the Year.

Altidore, a 27-year-old who also won the award in 2013, received 32 per cent, followed by Wood (30 per cent) and Geoff Cameron (15 per cent), the U.S. Soccer Federation said Friday. Altidore led the national team with six goals this year despite missing the Copa America with a hamstring injury.

Altidore has appeared in all five of Toronto FC’s playoff matches, helping lead the Reds to Saturday’s MLS Cup final against the Seattle Sounders.

Altidore set an MLS Cup playoff record by becoming the first player to score five goals in five consecutive matches. During the regular season, he made 23 appearances with 10 goals and five assists.

Pulisic received 86 per cent to five per cent for Jordan Morris and four per cent for Andrew Carleton. Pulisic scored twice in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund and at 17 years, 253 days, the midfielder became the youngest goal-scorer in national team history, on May 28 against Bolivia.

Votes were cast by men’s national team players who appeared in 2016, men’s national team and youth national team coaches, Major League Soccer, North American Soccer League and United Soccer League head coaches, and select former players, administrators and media.