Jozy Altidore wasn’t happy. It was January 2015 and the forward was struggling to find the back of the net in the Premier League with Sunderland, (he had one Premier League goal in 42 games). “Not really,” Altidore said, when asked if he knew the exact moment he had to leave the Black Cats. “I had a lot of off the field issues there. It just came to the point where I had the chance to come to Toronto and it made sense.”

At the time Toronto FC had their own discontent striker in Jermain Defoe, who was feeling homesick. Presented the chance to satisfy Defoe and gain Altidore in the process, the deal made sense for all parties. “I think for Jozy it was about getting to a place where he felt wanted,” Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney told Yahoo Sport UK. “It took him a little while — not too long — to settle in with our group and take on the role he’s been taking on lately.”

Altidore’s first season in Toronto ended in the knockout round of the playoffs. Defeated by Canadian rivals Montreal Impact, it was a bitter blow for an ambitious Toronto side. The club subsequently set about rebuilding their squad in the off-season by signing experienced recruits like Clint Irwin, Drew Moor, and Steven Beitashour. Speaking at the time, General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko described Irwin as, ‘one of the last pieces of the puzzle’ a feeling that was shared by the players.

“I think if you look at the off-season we added pieces that we felt we didn’t have last season,” Altidore said. “In pre-season I think everybody noticed there was a certain buzz around the club that these group of guys now could make some noise. For me, I think our best is still yet to come, but I think you can see the ground work that was put in place. What we have to show for that is a group of guys that are committed, and that on any given day can get a result.”

The newly formed group saw their commitment to each other tested early on this season. Toronto started the campaign with eight consecutive away games, a consequence of redevelopment work on BMO Field.

“We were in a unique situation, starting with eight games on the road,” Altidore said. “You have a lot of time to get to know guys. Not just the new ones, but the ones you played with last year too. That helped us I think, being on the road. We were in the hotel and we had nothing to do, but talk to the guys around us. We got to know each other better, and I think that shows on the field. We care for each other, and we show that by fighting for each other. I think it’s growing each day and with each game. I think that’s important.”

Trips to New York, Portland, New England and Colorado presented difficult tests for TFC, but they often had the answer. The team earned eleven points in their first seven road games, tying the all-time MLS record.

Moving into the playoffs, their togetherness once again helped them overcome adversity. Besting the Montreal Impact 7-5 on aggregate to win the Eastern Conference, it was made more impressive by the fact TFC lost the opening leg in Montreal 3-2. Altidore was central to that comeback, providing a goal and an assist in the second leg.

“There aren’t any other distractions for Jozy right now and you’re seeing what he is fully capable of doing,” Vanney said. “He’s an extraordinary striker with the ability to be powerful, to hold up the ball, and to run at people. He’s a very good finisher with both his head and feet. We’re seeing that really flourish with Jozy, because everything is in a nice place for him to focus on his game and really enjoy himself within our group.”

The forward is equally complimentary about Vanney, who is a relatively young coach that managed to survive calls for his dismissal last year. Helping to nurture a harmonious squad, Vanney’s appreciation for a system and how the parts align is never more evident than with Altidore. Supported well by fellow Designated Player Sebastian Giovinco in attack, their partnership seems more instinct than instruction.

“When you play with good players — in any league — everything is easier,” Altidore said of his relationship with Giovinco. “To play with Seba it was easy from day one. We kind of have this relationship where it is light, it is fun, and then when we have to be serious with each other we can be serious. I don’t know how else to explain it, we’ve never had any issues. I think that shows on the field. We’re there for each other, we play for each other, and I think we’ve had a good couple of seasons together.”

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