041413_isi_altidorejozy_usmnt0909123190 John Todd/isiphotos.com
Americans Abroad

Jozy Altidore Scores Another Hat Trick for AZ

After going nearly a month without a goal for club or country, Jozy Altidore made an emphatic return to the scoresheet on Sunday, recording his second hat trick of the season for AZ Alkmaar.
BY John Godfrey Posted
April 14, 2013
10:25 AM
Jozy Altidore's amazing run of form continued today as he scored three more goals in AZ Alkmaar's 6-0 win over FC Utrecht. Two of the tallies came on penalty kicks, and you can see video of the third goal below. Altidore scored all three within a span of nine minutes.

The hat trick gives Altidore 21 league goals this season and 28 across all competitions for AZ Alkmaar. More importantly, the decisive win over nine-man FC Utrecht moves AZ a bit further away from the Eredivisie relegation zone.

Despite Altidore's consistently strong showing this season, Alkmaar entered Sunday's match just three points clear of the drop. The win gives the Dutch side a bit more breathing room with four games left this season. The match also featured Icelandic-American Aron Johannsson's first goal for AZ Alkmaar, which came in the 90th minute.

Although Altidore has been a revelation for AZ, the scoring run has not carried over to the United States national team. The New Jersey native has not scored a goal for his country since he tallied against Slovenia on November 15, 2011.

Is it time for Altidore to head to a bigger club? What do you think of an an Altidore-Johannsson combo at the tip of the spear for the U.S.? Share your thoughts below.

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