Jozy Altidore has resumed training and will look to get into the starting 11 when Toronto FC face off against Sporting Kansas City.

Jozy Altidore, who hasn’t started for the Reds competitively since last year’s 3-0 disappointing playoff defeat, will lace up again to kick off his campaign for this MLS season according to Sportsnet’s John Molinaro, but it will come at the expense of Daniel Lovitz.

So to confirm, Lovitz out for Sunday. Jozy has to go through final evaluation, but he looks very likely for Sunday. #TFC — John Molinaro (@JohnMolinaro) March 18, 2016



Since last October, Jozy has made some appearances for the United States in friendly matches against Iceland and Canada. He managed to net a goal in each of those games, and is arguably the most reliable striker the US have going forward at the moment. USA fans, Toronto FC fans, and fans of Jozy all know about his goal scoring quality. The question now is, what does this mean for this year’s revamped Toronto FC team?

The return of Altidore is undoubtedly a positive thing. After the departure of most of last year’s emergency striker department that included Luke Moore, Robbie Findley, and Herculez Gomez, it is obvious that there is a void at the front of the TFC attack. I know what you’re thinking. “Void? But they have Sebastian Giovinco!”. To which I would respond, “True, but why can’t we have both?”

Let’s remember that although Giovinco is more than capable of playing a role as our team’s number 9, he can also be used as an attacking midfielder, striking partner, or even as a winger! With Jozy making his return to the squad, the dynamic duo of him and Seba will be something all MLS defenders will be weary of. Since head coach Greg Vanney has favoured a 4-3-3 formation this season, it is likely we will see Giovinco move on over to the left wing, while Jozy plays up top.

In my opinion, this formation with Seba on the wing is absolutely filthy. He was a winger at Juventus, and when playing out wide, Giovinco can completely own the flank. Not only is he quick, but he is incredibly clever, and fearless. If he assumes the position on the left wing, everyone can expect him to challenge his fullback constantly, and finish off by either putting in a cross or cutting to the inside to smash a shot with his favoured right foot.

As you can see, with Jozy coming back into the lineup things will genuinely look brighter for the Reds. Let us not forget the other tandem that is Michael Bradley and Altidore. Both have played numerous games for their country, and have combined for a large amount of goals as well. The two just know where each other are at all times, and are almost always on the same page. It will be nice for Bradley to have more outlets to make the pass to when moving forward, and there is no one better than his fellow countryman and DP Jozy.

Negatively speaking, Altidore has been plagued with injury problems over the past season, failing to maintain his fitness and failing to be one of the more dangerous strikers in the league. I am confident that Jozy can turn it all around. Other than having the touch of a natural goal scorer, Jozy works hard when he is on the ball. He also tends to win the majority of his battles using his strength and size. Battles in the air, or in tight spaces, Altidore can be relied upon to win the ball for his team high up the pitch to score, or retrieve possession.

So long as Jozy can stay healthy, I have absolutely no doubt he can help this team land in a comfortable position in the Eastern Conference come the end of the season and maybe even challenge for the title.

Welcome back Jozy!