Jozy Altidore’s goal-scoring prowess and intelligence on the Soccer field were never a doubt. His skills and composure in front of goal are also one of the many things that made him a legend in U.S soccer national team. Aged 27, he becomes the 17th player to reach a century of appearances for the stars and stripes, and he reaches that at quite a young age. After winning the MLS Cup with Toronto FC last year, he now set for a friendly against Serbia, where he will reach the 100th cap for his country.
The journey
Altidore made his name in U-20 FIFA World Cup 2007, where he placed 3rd top goalscorer with four goals. His debut for the national team came in a friendly against South Africa later that year as a 17-year old. On 2008, he made his first goal for his country against Mexico in a friendly. As a striker for the national team, he scored one and assisted one in a match against Spain in the 2009’confederations cup. Now he has reached 37 goals for the national team, 20 goals less than the current top goalscorer, Landon Donovan with 57 goals. On the club level, he has graced European top-flight clubs, such as Spain (Villareal, Xerez), Netherlands(AZ Alkmaar), England(Hull City, Sunderland) and Turkey(Bursaspor).
His most prominent campaign was when he is in AZ for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 season, where he scored 51 goals from 93 appearances. Now at Toronto FC, winning the last year’s MLS Cup and scored 29 goals from 54 appearances.
100th cap
So far, there are only 17 players ever to reach a century of appearances for The Yanks. Cobi Jones ranked first with 164 caps, followed by Landon Donovan with 157 caps. Altidore currently lies in 17th place, before Alexi Lalas’s 96 caps, and after Joe-Max Moore and Tony Meola’s joint 100 caps. On the country’s top goalscorers, Jozy Altidore’s 37 goals lie third after Landon Donovan (57) and Clint Dempsey (52). At 27 years old, we can expect him to do more for his country. On behalf of Blasting News US, Congratulations Jozy Altidore for your 100th cap!