Toronto FC's Altidore changed diet, workout to get a 'little edge'
Jozy Altidore showed off his new svelte form to reporters on Wednesday, saying it's the result of a changed diet and new exercises intended to give him a "little edge" for Toronto FC and the United States national team.
The New Jersey native eased back into Major League Soccer following his transfer from Sunderland in January 2015, but he's been looking to alter his approach for a while in an effort to alleviate nagging muscle strains.
"It was always the plan," Altidore said. "I was going to do it halfway through the year; it's hard to change things during (so I) waited until the year ended (to) try something different. The muscle injuries I've had have been far too many. I've missed too many big moments. I wasn't happy."
Altidore's efforts "to be leaner, a bit lighter" haven't gone unnoticed by his club boss Greg Vanney, and the striker "any little edge you can get at this level is helpful." With MVP Sebastian Giovinco streaming forward alongside Altidore's improved physicality, Toronto FC hopes to represent a frightening proposition in MLS over 2016.
Related: Toronto FC boss Vanney sees marked improvement in Jozy Altidore's fitness
"You can try different things (to stretch the muscles): yoga, exercises to keep yourself as lengthy, as mobile as possible. Sometimes you need a little bit of luck as well, unfortunately," Altidore said.
The 26-year-old has continued to impress on the international stage, bagging a goal in each of Team USA's recent friendlies against Iceland and Canada. With his country now out of commission until late March, Altidore's attentions turn towards a strong preseason for TFC.
"I want to be in front of the goal as much as I can," explained Altidore. "Last year, (Giovinco) and I worked well, in terms of combining for goals. I don't know many other partnerships that scored as many goals as we did. The goal is to repeat that - and of course, if we can, be better."
TFC begins the new campaign with a tricky trip to 2015's Eastern Conference final losers, the New York Red Bulls, on March 6.