Soteldo's offence and penchant for taking on defenders one-on-one is welcome, especially with Tuesday's news that 21-year-old striker Ayo Akinola is out for the season after injuring the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee Sunday in Canada's 1-0 loss to the U.S. at the Gold Cup.
Akinola's absence also makes Jozy Altidore's presence all the more important. The veteran forward scored Saturday in his return to action after being on the outs with the club for eight weeks. The goal helped TFC to a 1-1 tie with Orlando City.
Altidore was quick to praise Soteldo's work.
"Anybody that has a football brain can see what this kid brings," he said. "The way he wants the ball. He never hides. He wants to get on the ball, he wants to be a match-winner."