in the opening game of the new eredivisie campaign, altidore scored a quick brace as az drew 2–2 with reigning champions ajax on august 12, 2012. altidore continued his impressive start to the league campaign, netting another brace in the club's 3–1 victory over sc heracles on the second weekend of the season. following the international break, altidore scored the first hat-trick of his club career on september 16, helping az to a 4–0 defeat of roda jc.