Philadelphia Union Trade Sebastian Le Toux To Vancouver Whitecaps FC
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Sebastien Le Toux won't be sold to Bolton, like originally rumored, but he won't be with the Philadelphia Union. Le Toux announced via Twitter that he's been traded to Vancouver.
@SebastienLeToux: Just got traded to Vancouver ! Saddest day for me in my Philadelphia Union story.... Still can't believe it
Union announced in a press release that the trade was for allocation money. Terms of the deal, per MLS rules, were not disclosed. "While this decision wasn't easy, we are confident that the allocation money we receive will provide the flexibility for us to compile the best possible roster for 2012 and beyond," said Team Manager Peter Nowak. "Sebastien has been a valuable member of our team for two years and we thank him for his many contributions to the club."
"We feel that in the best interest of our club these decisions need to be made for our short and long-term benefit," said Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. "Although we achieved great success making it to the semifinals of the playoffs last year we are not in any way content with that. We operate in a highly competitive and demanding marketplace and we believe the moves we have made and continue to make improve our roster and give us a better chance to advance past the semifinals. We thank Sebastien for his significant contributions both on and off the field and wish him the best in Vancouver."
This comes nearly two weeks after Le Toux's rumored move to Bolton of the English Premier League. According to reports, Le Toux's workout with Bolton failed to impress the English team, and the deal fell through.
So instead of a move to a European team, Le Toux will stay within MLS, with Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Le Toux had been the face of the Philadelphia Union franchise for their first two seasons, the second season landing them in the playoffs. Le Toux's two seasons with Philadelphia saw him score 26 goals and record 17 assists in 64 games.
The move comes one day after Union allowed goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon to sign with Colombian team Deportivo Cali.
