Philadelphia Union Great Sebastien Le Toux Announces Retirement
Le Toux to become inaugural inductee in newly created Union Ring of Honor on Saturday, June 23;
Forward to sign one-day contract and retire as a Union player during press conference tomorrow, Tuesday, May 8 at Talen Energy Stadium’s TruMark Financial Club
CHESTER, Pa. (May 7, 2018) – Former Philadelphia Union forward Sebastien Le Toux today announced his intent to retire from professional soccer. One of the greatest players in Union history, Le Toux will sign a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a Philadelphia player tomorrow, Tuesday, May 8 during a press conference at the TruMark Financial Club in Talen Energy Stadium. In recognition of his contributions to the Philadelphia Union, Le Toux will also become the inaugural inductee in the newly formed Philadelphia Union Ring of Honor, with the ceremony set to take place during the Union’s home match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday, June 23.
Le Toux retires as the Union’s all-time leader in nearly every major offensive category, including games played (175), goals (50), assists (50), shots (320), shots on goal (144) and corner kicks (379). With 59 goals and 57 assists across his distinguished MLS career, he is one of just 20 players in the league’s 50-goal, 50-assist club, and one of eight to achieve those milestones for one club.
“Philadelphia is where I had the most opportunities on and off the field,” said Le Toux. “It is where I found career success with the Philadelphia Union, met my wife, and found my forever home with friends, family, and fans that have become family.”
“Certain players capture the spirit of a club and Sebastien Le Toux’s tireless work on and off the field during the Union’s formative years helped create lifelong memories for our fans, young and old,” added Jay Sugarman, Philadelphia Union Chairman and Owner. “I am delighted he will end his impressive career here, in Union Blue and Gold, and am proud he will become the first member of the Union Ring of Honor.”
“As Sebastien announces his retirement from professional soccer today, we at the Philadelphia Union would like to congratulate him on his successful career and thank him for his contributions to our club,” said Earnie Stewart, Union Sporting Director. “He deserves this recognition for what he has meant to the Union and our fans over the years, and we’d like to wish him and his family the absolute best moving forward.”
A native of Mont-Saint-Aignan, France, Le Toux first came to Philadelphia as part of the 2009 MLS Expansion Draft and was a part of the club’s inaugural roster. He was a member of the Union’s first-ever starting XI, on March 25, 2010 at Seattle, and he scored the club’s first-ever goal one match later at Lincoln Financial Field vs. D.C. United (April 10, 2010). He would go on to register a hat trick in that contest, one of three in Union history.
As part of a stellar first season with Philadelphia (14 goals, 11 assists), which saw him named as the Union’s first MLS All-Star and first nominee to the MLS Best XI, Le Toux also became the first and only player to date in Union history to reach double digits in both goals and assists over a single season.
“Sebastien Le Toux has played a vital role in our organization’s history and it’s fitting that he’s retiring as a member of the Philadelphia Union,” said Jim Curtin, Union Head Coach. “He was key in our club’s success and created memorable moments. Whether scoring a hat trick in our first official home match, to scoring the first playoff goal in Union history, or leading us to back-to-back Open Cup Finals, Sebastien always brought his best for the club. He is the face of the Philadelphia Union and we’re happy to be a part of his final chapter in his career.”
“Sebastien leaves behind an unmistakable legacy with the Philadelphia Union and we’re proud that it will live on as the first-ever member in our Ring of Honor,” added Tim McDermott, Union Chief Business Officer. “His connection with the fanbase, on and off the field, is one of the reasons that being a Union fan is so special. He is a true club legend and there is nobody more fitting for this honor than Sebastien.”
Le Toux followed that season up with an 11-goal, nine-assist effort in 2011. He was named MLS Player of the Month for September of that season after registering seven goals over six matches throughout the month, becoming the first Union player to earn that award as well. He is also a two-time recipient of the MLS Individual Fair Play Award (2010, 2011).
After stints with Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the New York Red Bulls, Le Toux returned to Philadelphia ahead of the 2013 season. He scored in his debut match back with the club, vs. Sporting Kansas City (March 2, 2013) and would go on to tally three goals and 12 assists that year, setting a then club-record for most assists in a single campaign. He then recorded 12 goals and seven assists in 2014, reaching double digits in goals as a Union player for the third time, the most in team history.
During the 2016 season, his last with Philadelphia, Le Toux scored his 50th goal for the club in the stadium where his Union career began, at Seattle (April 16, 2016). His 50th assist for the team came two months later in a home match vs. Vancouver (June 25, 2016).
In addition to Philadelphia, Le Toux also spent time with Seattle, Vancouver, the Red Bulls, Colorado and D.C. United over his MLS career, winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with Seattle in 2009. He also played for Lorient in his native France prior to moving to the United States.
