USMNT Watch: Altidore Scores a Pair of Goals in MLS Return

The games in Major League Soccer opened this weekend with some strong play from those in the United States men's national team talent pool. 

The standout star of the weekend was Jozy Altidore, who had a successful first game back in the league with Toronto FC.

Elsewhere across the globe, a few other players on manager Jurgen Klinsmann's radar played a key role in goals for their respective clubs. 

Before we check out the happenings in Europe, our weekly USMNT watch begins in Canada.

Altidore Stars in Toronto FC's Opener

Altidore had a dream debut for the Reds, as he scored two of the club's three goals in a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. 

The top forward on the USMNT depth chart benefited from some crafty work in midfield by Sebastian Giovinco on his first goal, while his second strike came from the spot. 

The goals marked the first time Altidore scored in MLS since May 25, 2008, when he was a member of the New York Red Bulls, per ESPN Stats & Info: 

Altidore's brace also tied his total of goals in 42 games with English Premier League side Sunderland, per ESPN's Paul Carr: 

Michael Bradley played the entire match for the Reds, who are the first-place team in the Eastern Conference after Week 1. 

Nick Rimando made five saves in Real Salt Lake's 0-0 draw in Portland, Steve Birnbaum played 90 minutes for D.C. United, and the duo of Gyasi Zardes and Omar Gonzalez opened up the LA Galaxy's season with a 2-0 win over Chicago on Friday night.

In Sunday's MLS action, Clint Dempsey scored a brace for Seattle in a 3-0 win over New England, while Mix Diskerud found the back of the net on a stunning strike for New York City FC.

Center-back Matt Besler was sent off for a second yellow card in the second half of Sporting Kansas City's 1-1 draw with the New York Red Bulls. 

Goals Fly in Across Germany

The USMNT contingent in Germany produced a solid weekend in the scoring department. 

Although he didn't score for the second consecutive week in the Bundesliga, Fabian Johnson did earn an assist in Borussia Monchengladbach's 2-2 draw with Mainz. 

In the 2.Bundesliga, Andrew Wooten and Alfredo Morales both found the back of the net for their respective sides. 

Wooten opened the scoring in the seventh minute for Sandhausen in their 3-2 road win over 1860 Munich. 

Morales scored one of Ingolstadt's three second-half goals in the win over Erzgebirge Aue, which extended their lead at the top of the table to six points over Darmstadt. 

Timothy Chandler and John Brooks both went 90 minutes for their respective sides in the top flight over the weekend as well. 

2 Americans Still Alive in FA Cup

Danny Williams and Brad Guzan remained alive in the FA Cup Saturday by way of two different results. 

Williams earned another start and played all of Reading's 0-0 draw at Valley Parade against Bradford City. The two sides will square off in a replay for a trip to Wembley Stadium. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

Guzan did not feature in Aston Villa's win over West Bromwich Albion in the competition, but he still has a chance to start at Wembley in the semifinals. 

The Villans also earned a crucial three points in the relegation battle Tuesday with Guzan in net, as they defeated West Brom 2-1 at Villa Park. 

Tim Howard let in two goals Wednesday in Everton's 2-0 defeat at Stoke City. The Toffees are now only six points clear of the bottom three. 

Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

In the Championship, Eric Lichaj and Jonathan Spector played 90 minutes for Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City, respectively. Tim Ream and Bolton Wanderers had the weekend off. 

Consistent Playing Time Earned in Mexico

Nothing too spectacular was achieved by the USMNT players in Liga MX this weekend. 

Edgar Castillo earned his usual spot in the starting 11 for Atlas in their 1-1 away draw with Cruz Azul. 

Christian Palma/Associated Press

Jonathan Bornstein helped Queretaro earn three points, as he played all 90 minutes of their 1-0 home win over Chivas de Guadalajara. 

In Club Tijuana's 1-1 draw with Santos Laguna, Joe Corona earned a rare start. Greg Garza is still out with an injury he suffered last week. 

Michael Orozco once again found his way into the starting 11 for Puebla's 2-2 draw with Chiapas, while Herculez Gomez played the final 20 minutes of the match. 

News and Notes

Aron Johannsson came off the bench at the half and scored 11 minutes later in AZ Alkmaar's 6-2 loss to Utrecht.

Rubio Rubin replaced Sebastien Haller, who contributed to three of Utrecht's goals, in the 82nd minute of the match at the Stadion Galgenwaard. 

Alejandro Bedoya was a first-half substitute for Nantes in a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Reims. 

Seattle Sounders boss Sigi Schmid told Matt Pentz of The Seattle Times that DeAndre Yedlin is practicing with Tottenham Hotspur's first team, but he is struggling to break into the 18. 

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.