Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore apologizes for red card in New England

TORONTO – Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore has apologized for his sending off in a 3-1 weekend loss in New England, according to coach Greg Vanney.

Altidore, making his debut as Toronto captain in the absence of the injured Michael Bradley, was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Revs defender Jose Goncalves in the 39th minute. Toronto was down 1-0 at the time.

“He’s apologized to all of us. He knows he let the team down in a situation where we didn’t need that,” said Toronto coach Greg Vanney. “He also had the responsibility of the (captain’s) armband that night. So he’s clearly aware of that.”

Vanney said Altidore’s actions were out of character.

“I think he’s harbouring some frustrations for a number of different things over the past month or month and a half, between the (U.S.) national team and injury and what not. I think it kind of emerged in one moment there. My hope is that we got it out and he’s ready to really get focused and help us out down the stretch. And I think that’s where we’re at.”

Altidore has seven goals in 15 games in a season has been interrupted with a hamstring injury. He returned to action in time for the Gold Cup but was one of several players released midway during the tournament, with U.S. coach Juergen Klinsmann saying: “He’s just simply not in the shape right now to help us.”

While he has not complained, the 25-year-old Altidore could also be frustrated with his integration into Toronto’s play. The team focus seems squarely on Italian dynamo Sebastian Giovinco, who has offered a good return with 13 goals and 10 assists.

Altidore did not speak to reporters after practice Tuesday. He will sit out Wednesday’s game against visiting Orlando City because of the red card.

While veteran French midfielder Benoit Cheyrou has normally captained Toronto in Bradley’s absence, Vanney said he gave Altidore the armband on the weekend to give him a chance to “share his personality within the locker-room and with the players.”

“For me Jozy has a very powerful voice in our locker-room. He’s got a great personality and an energy …We tend to have a group that is a little bit quiet and goes about their professional business.”

Altidore’s disciplinary record is good, although he was sent off in March for abusing the referee in a 1-1 friendly between the U.S. and Switzerland.

“I want to apologize to our fans and my teammates,” he said in a statement subsequently issued by the national team. “Emotion got the best of me and I put our team in a tough position. That’s not the type of role model I want to be. All credit to the boys for grinding it out and earning a positive result.”

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