Altidore stays hot, helps Toronto FC beat Fire 2-1

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (AP) — Jozy Altidore had a goal and an assist and Toronto FC beat the Chicago Fire 2-1 on Saturday night to move into first place in the Eastern Conference.

Altidore opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, finishing Justin Morrow's cross from the middle of the area. Altidore assisted Jonathan Osorio's goal in the 52nd minute, blocking Sean Johnson's errant throw-out so Osorio could send back an easy chip shot past the out-of-position goalkeeper.

Altidore has six goals in his last eight games — nine in 10 counting his two U.S. national team appearances. His scoring burst comes at a crucial time for Toronto FC (13-8-7) with last year's MLS MVP, Sebastian Giovinco, out for four weeks with a muscle strain.

Michael de Leeuw closed the deficit to one for Chicago (6-13-8) with a high-leaping header from in front of the net in the 64th minute.