It's a shame that, to many, Jozy Altidore's season-long loan to Hull City will be remembered for an out-of-character moment in which he lost his composure with an opponent.

True, the American forward has not set the scoring charts alight. His inability to find the net consistently -- just one goal and 30 shots in 28 league games -- along with the rest of the strikers on the Tigers' squad, means he should shoulder his fair share of the blame for the club's relegation from the Premier League.

However, while the end was not pretty, there are positives Altidore can take away from his first full season of top-flight experience, during which he showed an ability to compete at the highest level. More importantly given his age, the 20-year-old also demonstrated he has what it takes to learn on the job and is undoubtedly a better player now than he was a year ago. Thus, the big question is this: Where does he continue to develop his skills next season?

I would like to see Altidore given a chance to succeed with the club that owns him, Villarreal, but such an opportunity is likely to depend on what moves the yellow submarine makes within its striker ranks this summer. Nilmar (age 25) and Giuseppe Rossi (23) could be targets for other clubs -- or could be entrenched as the starting forward line at El Madrigal for years to come -- while Joseba Llorente (31) is likely on the downswing of his career. Thus, there could be an opportunity for Altidore, unless Villarreal decides to bring in new faces.

Whether or not he stays at Villarreal, there should be plenty of interest in Altidore -- much of which likely will come from English clubs -- but I wonder whether any will be prepared to sign him on a permanent basis. Another season spent on loan would be less than ideal, although it would be more advantageous than being on the fringes at his parent club. Among the American squad members headed to South Africa, there are few for whom the coming months are more important than the New Jersey native.

Houston has a problem

While Altidore mulls over options for his future, another young American, Geoff Cameron, is coming to terms with surgery, followed by a long period of rehabilitation.

The Houston midfielder will miss the rest of the MLS season after rupturing his right PCL in Saturday's loss to Chicago. It's a crushing blow for an impressive player whose form and ability to play more than one position certainly drew the attention of European clubs, as well as Bob Bradley.

Furthermore, Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear must be wondering what he has to do to catch a break after the latest setback to his side. Having lost Stuart Holden and Ricardo Clark during the offseason, Houston now sees Cameron join Brian Ching on the sidelines.

With so much talent either departed or unavailable, Kinnear will look to trusted veterans such as Brad Davis and Brian Mullan. And after an underwhelming start to life in Texas, Luis Angel Landin (one goal in 14 games) needs to start justifying his sizable salary.

A thing that made me go hmmm …

Can Colorado, currently in second place in the West after its win at New England, sustain its form? It may be too early to confidently make long-term prognostications, but signs are good for Rapids fans who hope to see their club return to the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

Colorado's home advantage in the rarefied air of Commerce City has long been established, but what has been less consistent is the team's ability to grind out results on the road. Thus, that Gary Smith's side has already won twice away from home in 2010, matching its total road triumphs of a year ago, is impressive.

Before the start of this season, Smith made a pair of key moves to boost a squad that already had its share of talent, not the least of which was the forward duo of Conor Casey and Omar Cummings (combined 24 goals and 13 assists in '09).

It was behind that front two where strengthening was required. Smith gave up Cory Gibbs to New England, but by getting Jeff Larentowicz in return he was able to solidify central midfield and ease the workload of veteran skipper Pablo Mastroeni.

Meanwhile, to replace Gibbs, Colorado brought in Marvell Wynne from Toronto with the intention of playing him in the center of defense alongside another converted fullback, Drew Moor. The result has been a back line that has allowed just five goals in as many games thus far.

Good luck, Shalrie

It has been revealed that Shalrie Joseph was admitted to the league's substance abuse and behavioral health program, two days after the New England midfielder was granted an indefinite leave of absence from the team.

Before joining ESPN, I covered the Revolution for three seasons and, in addition to witnessing his obvious on-field abilities up close, found Shalrie to be an always engaging and thoughtful interview subject.

Here's hoping a nice guy, who happens to be one of the best MLS players of the past decade, gets the help he needs to conquer whatever problems he has.