Philadelphia Union announced today that forward Sebastien Le Toux will return to the Union courtesy of a trade deal that sent allocation money and Costa Rican forward Josue Martinez to New York Red Bulls. Per MLS and club policy, specific terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
“We are happy to welcome Sebastien back to the club,” said team manager John Hackworth. “His determination and heart are a perfect fit for the mentality of this team.”
A press conference to formally announce Le Toux will be held on Friday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m., PPL Park Interview Room. Media can enter through Stadium Control.
Le Toux, 28, was originally acquired by the Union as the fourth overall pick from Seattle Sounders FC in the 2009 MLS Expansion Draft. In his two seasons in Philadelphia, the Frenchman led Philadelphia in goals in back-to-back seasons, and was instrumental in the club’s 2011 MLS playoff run. In 62 total appearances (28 in 2010; 34 in 2011), he is the Union’s all-time leading goalscorer with 25 goals and 20 assists, and is the only player to net a playoff goal, scoring in the first leg of the 2011 MLS Eastern Conference semifinals against Houston (Oct. 30).
Le Toux also collected MLS’ Individual Fair Play award in back-to-back seasons, going three consecutive years without a carded infraction.
"In our hearts Sebastien has always been a Union player and his contributions on the field and in the community while he was in Philadelphia were invaluable. We are thrilled to welcome him back and look forward to having him rejoin the club,” said CEO & operating partner Nick Sakiewicz.
On Jan. 31, LeToux was traded to Vancouver in exchange for allocation money. In his 19 appearances for the Whitecaps, Le Toux scored four goals and added an assist. On July 13, Vancouver traded Le Toux to New York in exchange for Jamaican international Dane Richards and allocation money. In nine appearances for New York, Le Toux scored just one goal and added an assist, but the goal arrived just 24 minutes into his Red Bulls debut, a 2-2 draw against Seattle.
