Altidore Scores First Spanish Goal, Then Second, Then Third

Jozy Altidore got his first bite of regular season action today with Villarreal…sort of. See, the fixture today against Regional Preferente (that’s the equivalent of the Spanish 5th division) side El San Rafael del Río had just about nothing to do with anything. It was a friendly, after Villarreal opened their official La Liga campaign last weekend with a 1-1 draw with Osasuna, but it technically did take place during the regular season. What is this MLS?

Regardless of the meaning of the match (nothing) and the apparent quality of the side (none), Jozy Altidore started up front and bagged three goals for the Yellow Submarine, that’s a hat trick folks, in the 7-1 thrashing over Rafa of the River or whatever. Villarreal sent a fairly full squad to this thing, so good for the kid to come away as the leading scorer. We won’t know how much this might effect the coach’s thoughts on Jozy’s playing time (currently resting at 0), but it certainly can’t hurt his chances of seeing the pitch when Villarreal takes on Deportivo on Sunday.

Hopefully just the beginning of Jozy’s goal scoring exploits in Spain…

Anyone at least a little impressed?