Image of Jozy Altidore Being Shown the Middle Finger by Vancouver Fan Goes Viral

Jozy Altidore's making a fast impact in his return to Major League Soccer. 

He scored two goals in his first match—a 3-1 win for Toronto FC over the Vancouver Whitecaps—but when scoring the final goal (a cheeky Panenka), he found himself on the receiving end of an all-too-common gesture of disapproval. 

The excellent picture captured by photographer Duncan Nicol quickly went viral. 

While the middle-figure salute is generally taken as offensive, in this particular case, it was well-received all around. 

For a league that's still growing, the prevailing theme of the viral photo was that at least they're watching (and obviously care). 

"I saw it online," Altidore told the Toronto Sun. "Someone asked what I thought. I thought it was cool. It captures what the game means to them, what the rivalry means to them." 

The fan was later identified as Whitecaps diehard Kirsty Olychick.

She admitted that it was just a natural reaction and meant no offense to the American international. 

Per the same Sun report: 

"

I don't think he even noticed I was doing it, nothing was said to me at the time. 

I am completely surprised at the reaction it is getting and, thankfully, most of it is positive. I heard he was amused by the picture and really that is all that matters. If I had a chance to talk to him, I would make sure he wasn't offended as it was nothing malicious. It is all in good banter. 

"

[Twitter]