Altidore's First Hat-Trick

On This Day in 2009, the 19-Year-Old "Came of Age" in a World Cup Qualifying Victory over Trinidad and Tobago

At just 19 years old, Jozy Altidore had become the name on every American soccer fan's lips. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 175 pounds, the young striker possesses the rare combination of size, speed, and technical ability that has long eluded U.S. Soccer. His journey from the youth ranks of the New York Red Bulls to a record $10 million transfer to Spain's Villarreal marked him as American soccer's next great hope, even as his European club career has experienced growing pains.

"He's not happy about the fact that he isn't playing, but you get the sense that he realizes he has to work harder and improve," U.S. coach Bob Bradley noted about Altidore's situation at Xerez. In this second-division Spanish club, he had yet to play a single minute since being loaned there in January 2009.

Despite these club struggles, Altidore's international career took a dramatic turn during a four-day span that transformed his reputation and the U.S. Men's National Team's World Cup qualifying campaign. First came his crucial 77th-minute header against El Salvador that sparked an improbable comeback in a hostile environment.

The Americans had entered that match as heavy favorites but found themselves in a nightmare scenario, trailing 2-0 after 72 minutes at the intimidating Estadio Cuscatlán. Altidore's powerful header from Frankie Hejduk's cross provided a lifeline and set the stage for Hejduk's equalizer minutes later, salvaging a vital point in the 2-2 draw.

"To come back with 30 minutes left and get a point is a positive," goalkeeper Brad Guzan said after that match. "It shows just how good this team is."

If the El Salvador comeback demonstrated the team's resilience, the subsequent 3-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago on April 1 at Nashville's LP Field showcased its attacking potential—with Altidore firmly at the center. Before a Tennessee-record soccer crowd of 27,959, the teenage striker delivered a historic performance that announced his arrival on the international stage.

The revamped American lineup featured Altidore paired with Brian Ching up front, with Landon Donovan positioned wide left and Clint Dempsey on the right. The tactical adjustment paid immediate dividends in the 13th minute when Donovan controlled a ball with his chest and delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area. Altidore, displaying the instincts of a natural goalscorer, broke free of defender Aklie Edwards and beat goalkeeper Clayton Ince for the opening goal.

His second strike in the 71st minute showcased his maturing technical skills. After an excellent combination play involving Michael Bradley, DaMarcus Beasley, and Donovan, Altidore received the ball in the box, expertly faked Trinidad's stand-in captain Dennis Lawrence, and calmly slotted a low shot inside the far post.

The historic hat trick was completed just before the final whistle in the 89th minute. Michael Bradley played the ball into the box to Donovan, who unselfishly laid it back to Altidore. His 20-yard shot slipped under the goalkeeper's hands, cementing his place in the record books as the youngest American to score an international hat trick.

"It's pretty cool," Altidore said of his achievement. "Most important is we came out, and the guys rebounded from the El Salvador game, and we made a statement—made a statement we are one of the teams to be reckoned with in CONCACAF."

The comprehensive victory starkly contrasted the struggle in El Salvador just days earlier. With Tim Howard returning from suspension, the American backline regained its organization and composure. Trinidad and Tobago, playing without suspended captain Dwight Yorke, managed just one shot on goal throughout the match.

"We just weren't very good tonight," admitted Soca Warriors captain Dennis Lawrence. "When you come to the U.S., and you don't perform up to your capabilities, that's the result you're going to get."

All three goals came off of assists from Landon Donovan, and the victory highlighted a potential dynamic partnership between America's all-time leading scorer and its emerging star. While Donovan needed 107 appearances to reach his 37 goals, Altidore has already netted six times in just nine international appearances.

"I'm finally understanding what's needed to be successful," reflected Altidore, who suddenly found himself at the forefront of American soccer's future.

The win solidified the United States' position in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying. With seven points from three matches, the United States is ahead of Costa Rica (six points), Honduras (four), and Mexico (three). With seven games remaining, the top three nations will qualify directly for South Africa 2010.

For Altidore and the American team, Trinidad's victory represented more than just three points—a statement of intent. In a qualification process where nothing comes easily, the emergence of a clinical finisher addressed a longstanding need for a U.S. team with growing World Cup ambitions.

"He's a player that we've known for a while," Bob Bradley said. "He's going to be a big part of our team going forward. But things need to be earned. Things need to come at the right time."

For Jozy Altidore and the United States, that time appeared to be now.