progressing to the mls cup playoffs for a third consecutive season, altidore was involved in two controversial incidents against former club the new york red bulls in the eastern conference semi-final second leg. after a foul on tyler adams by teammate giovinco in the first half, altidore confronted adams with an argument ensuing. he was subsequently shoved by new york's captain, sacha kljestan, and fell to the ground in an exaggerated manner; both players were cautioned by referee chris penso for their behaviour. during the half-time break, an altercation broke out between both teams in the tunnel, and while circumstances were unclear, kljestan and altidore were believed to be at the center of the incident. as a result, both players were sent off for violent conduct and altidore went on to miss the conference final first leg with toronto progressing on away goals. toronto coach vanney hinted that the club would file a protest with the league to overturn the suspension, but the appeal was later denied.