Altidore relishes another big occasion in statement win over Club America

TORONTO - Club America had been warned. A few times on Tuesday, Jozy Altidore was unsuccessful in trying to muscle off visiting players and jimmy some room in attack, but when Sebastian Giovinco released him with a minute left of the first half's allotted time, normal service resumed.

Altidore certainly revels in big occasions. His goal just before the break added to the critical ones he's scored in Toronto FC's past two MLS playoff campaigns, and his first-leg prod in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. He also bagged the opener in the United States' 2-1 Gold Cup final win over Jamaica last July, and netted twice in the October trouncing of Panama that should have been the penultimate match of a successful World Cup qualification campaign.

When it comes to high-pressure matches, Altidore can be relied upon.

Related: Toronto FC defeats Club America in 1st leg of Champions League semifinals

"Jozy's just difficult to handle," Drew Moor told theScore post-match. "I've defended against him before. He's big, he's strong, he's extremely good with his feet, and when he's into it and when he's using his body and just pestering defenses like he was tonight - when you have a guy like Sebastian Giovinco next to you and guys that are providing him with service - he's extremely difficult to deal with.

"He's the kind of forward that makes defenders lose sleep."

Marky Delgado's bravery in entering a challenge where he'd inevitably come off second-best paid dividends as the collision ricocheted the ball to Giovinco, but Altidore still had plenty to do after he corralled the Italian's lifted pass. He expertly spun Carlos Vargas to purloin space, then slammed it past Agustin Marchesin. Even without Emanuel Aguilera in the squad, Las Aguilas' defense is often dubbed the best in Mexico, but Altidore preyed on a lapse in Club America's rearguard - a rarity in the Clausura campaign.

"Everything," Michael Bradley replied when asked what aspect of Altidore's character allowed him to influence so many huge matches. "His mentality, his quality, his package of physicality, mobility, skill ...

"He's a really important guy for us, and his ability up there together with Seba to put opposing defenses on their heels and make important plays, that part is at a high level."

Altidore was involved in Toronto's third goal as well. The 28-year-old was positioned perfectly on the penalty spot, and Auro should've found him with his cutback, but Ashtone Morgan took a chance by steaming in behind Altidore and sidefooted in from close range. To the delight of the sodden home support at BMO Field, Toronto was 3-1 up, and on the verge of seeing out a historic result for MLS teams in the Champions League.

Perhaps it's unfair to suggest that just Altidore, Giovinco, and the Reds' other famous names take responsibility - Toronto FC is a collective. Delgado put in another industrious first-leg showing, Morgan proved his worth deputizing for the injured Justin Morrow, and Alex Bono's reputation grew with a huge save in the 84th minute.

Toronto FC is in the driving seat ahead of next Tuesday's reverse fixture at the historic Estadio Azteca, and rather than cower in the altitude of Mexico's capital, Greg Vanney's men appear poised to thrive under the pressure.

"Our guys step up. When the occasion gets big they tend to become a little bit bigger," Vanney said.