The final stretch of the MLS NEXT Pro 2024 campaign is in full swing. In addition to the wild Playoff picture taking shape, this is the time of year when the league’s record book gets tested.
Toronto FC II forward Julian Altobelli has been a vital part of each of the club’s three MLS NEXT Pro seasons and is in the best form of his career heading into Matchweek 28.
The record in question? The longest scoring streak in league history. Altobelli is one goal away from equalling Jacen Russell-Rowe’s nine-game heater from his MVP campaign in 2022.
The goals have been flowing, but the 21-year-old isn’t putting the cart before the horse when he sizes up the occasion.
“I'm taking everything one game at a time,” Altobelli said in a recent interview. “And if I am able to break that record, it would be amazing, but I focus on one game at a time, and hopefully things will come as they come.”
Altobelli made it eight in a row against New York City FC II on Sept. 15 and looks to extend the streak against another New York foe. Altobelli netted a critical TFC II’s 4-3 win over New York Red Bulls II on July 28 and carries that edge into Sunday's reverse fixture (5 PM ET | MLSNEXTPro.com).
Last weekend's performance went a long way in naming TFC II as MLS NEXT Pro's Team of Matchweek 27. Individually, Altobelli has added Goal of the Matchweek honors in weeks 14 and 22, making for a highly decorated breakout campaign.
"I think he's approached this season very well," added TFC II head coach Gianni Cimini. "From the start, from a mentality standpoint, he's been a guy that has come in as a leader. Right off the bat, you've seen the growth from him."
Altobelli's next goal will also make him the sole owner of TFC II's all-time scoring record.
Leading from the front
In addition to leading the team in goals, Alotbelli has been the leader in the locker room. Wearing the captain's armband comes with some extra pressure and Altobelli credits a setback from earlier in the season as one of the factors that fueled his turnaround.
"The main thing that I've been telling myself was, after that red card that I got against New York City a couple months back, that was kind of the turning point for me," he shared. "It was something that I was disappointed in.
"Being the captain, it's unacceptable to let your team down and let yourself down."
Altobelli's been on a tear since, collecting nine of his 10 goals on the season.
"I'm super grateful for the way things have gone for me." He added. "And I think something that's important for me is learning to stay calm when you get in those situations when you're about to score or take a strike. Just stay focused, stay calm, and let the let the ball do the rest."
Pathway potential
The Toronto native is a known commodity within his club's ranks and only has one more step to go before completing the pathway. Altobelli joined the Toronto FC Academy as a child and Cimini has been with him every step of the way.
"The only thing that's missing in Alto's pathway is that first-team contract," said Cimini. "He's a kid when he came in at 11 years old, the same qualities he had as a player at 12 years old, and the same qualities that we see today - a player that is very creative, has a lot of qualities around the goal, and always enjoys to play football on a daily basis."
Altobelli is on the radar, with the Toronto first-team calling him up to their matchday squad in 2023 and 2024. It remains to be seen when his next call-up will come, but as the youngster says, he's taking it one game at a time.
And the next one is a big one.
