Sounders FC loses Le Toux to Union

French Forward/Midfielder selected by Philadelphia in 2009 Expansion Draft.

RENTON, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC forward/midfielder Sebastien Le Toux was selected today by Philadelphia Union with one of its 10 selections in the 2009 Major League Soccer Expansion Draft.

Le Toux, 25 from Rennes, France, was the first player signed by Sounders FC on May 8, 2008. In his first season in MLS, Le Toux appeared in 28 regular season games, starting 15 with one goal and three assists. He appeared in each of Seattle’s two playoff games.

“With expansion comes the unfortunate consequence that you’re likely going to lose someone,” said Sigi Schmid, Sounders FC head coach. “Seba is a quality player, and it’s understandable that Philadelphia valued his abilities and brought him aboard.

“We’re sad to see him go,” added Schmid, “but we wish him the best with this opportunity in Philadelphia.”

Le Toux was a key figure in the Sounders FC 2009 U.S. Open Cup run, starting five of six tournament games and scoring three goals plus seven assists. He had the game-winning assist versus D.C. United in the Cup Final at RFK Stadium.

Prior to joining Sounders FC, Le Toux spent the 2007 and 2008 seasons with the USL First Division Seattle Sounders, scoring 24 goals in 54 league matches. He was the top scorer in U.S. Open Cup play both years. In 2007, Le Toux was named the USL-1 Most Valuable Player and helped lead Seattle to the league title.

Philadelphia’s inaugural MLS match in 2010 will be played on March 25 against Sounders FC on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field.

Philadelphia Union 2009 Expansion Draft Selections