USA vs. Honduras: Jozy Altidore Finally Becoming Striker USA Needs Him to Be

The United States finally has its hero.

With the U.S. men's national team locked in a scoreless contest with Honduras Tuesday night, Jozy Altidore was the difference maker, knocking home the winning goal in the 73rd minute.

After a nifty pass from a charging Fabian Johnson, Altidore hit a brilliant left-footed shot low and away from the Honduran keeper that found the back of the net.

Since losing a friendly to Belgium on May 29, the USMNT has now won four straight matches. It is no coincidence that Altidore has recorded a tally in each. In the five previous games where Altidore had not recorded a goal, the United States was just 1-2-2 on the season.

There was plenty of doubt surrounding Altidore as recently as last month. Before finding the back of the net against Germany on June 2, Altidore had gone 16 months without a goal in international competition.

He began showing signs of renewed promise last year when he set the scoring record for an American player in Europe by recording 31 goals for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie.

But until he broke through against Germany on June 2, Altidore's club success had not translated to the national team.

Stronger play from his teammates has helped Altidore greatly—Johnson's assist on Tuesday night was the second time in two games the duo connected for a goal—but credit Altidore for finishing on his chances, something he had not done for the USMNT for more than a year.

The next few months are key for Altidore. He is rumored to be on the transfer market, as reported by MLSSoccer.com, and needs to land with a team that utilizes him properly. He can only continue to grow as a player if he is getting significant playing time against the best competition.  

If he does continue to hone his skills, Altidore could eventually become the greatest striker in U.S. team history.

Come next year, the United States will go as far in the World Cup as Altidore can carry them.