Jozy Altidore's heroics power TFC to dramatic derby finish

Jozy Altidore was the derby-day hero for Toronto FC in Vancouver on Saturday, assisting the opener and scoring one of his own in a 2-0 victory.

Playing their only regular season MLS game of the season, the Canadian rivals were playing out a tightly contested affair until Whitecaps’ midfielder Brek Shea was given his marching orders in the 70th minute. The U.S. International was shown a yellow card for a reckless tackle and a second for dissent, swinging the game in Toronto’s favour.

In the 76th minute, Altidore cushioned a cross from youngster Raheem Edwards into the path of new signing Victor Vazquez, who couldn’t help but direct the ball past goalkeeper Spencer Richey for his first TFC goal.

Four minutes later, Altidore created his own opening. Receiving the ball from Jonathan Osorio with his back to the goal, Altidore swiveled and turned past Kendall Waston before striking the ball across the goalkeeper to seal all three points for the Reds.

Altidore moves to two goals and an assist on the season and is in ideal form ahead of his national team’s critical World Cup qualifier against Honduras this coming Friday. The victory was the first of the season for TFC, who remain undefeated through a three-game road swing, while the Whitecaps’ record is now two losses and one draw.