The morning after AZ Alkmaar's 2-1 triumph over Udinese, Alkmaar buzzed with quiet pride.
Cafes along the Waagplein hummed with chatter, red and white scarves draped over chairs as locals sipped coffee, grinning over replays of Altidore's goal on their phones.
Shop windows displayed AZ Alkmaar jerseys, Benjamin's number 21 prominent, while kids kicked balls in the streets, mimicking his Skills.
The win had clinched a spot in the Europa League's round of 32, with one group stage game left, and the city felt alive, its heartbeat tied to the team's success.
At the AFAS Training Complex, the squad gathered under a gray November sky, the air crisp and sharp. Grass glistened with dew, and the distant hum of Alkmaar's canals faded against the thud of boots on turf.
Gertjan Verbeek stood on the sideline with a clipboard in hand, his whistle glinting as he barked orders. The next challenge loomed: Feyenoord, away, in the Eredivisie, Sunday at 6:45 PM. No time to bask in glory.
