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Joshua Mayers is the Seattle Sounders FC writer for The Seattle Times. Watch for his coverage of the team, Major League Soccer and soccer around the world.

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November 25, 2009 at 12:14 PM

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Sounders FC loses Sebastien Le Toux to Philadelphia Union

Posted by Jose Romero

So there it is. I must admit I am surprised, but then again, as many of you pointed out, Seba's work rate is amazing and he's an effort guy who does have a knack for scoring.

Much as he was a huge factor in the U.S. Open Cup and had 4 goals and 7 assists in 34 games (all competition), I don't see this as a major loss for Seattle. Le Toux came off the bench at the end of the season and the crop of midfielders was deep.

This is a good sign I would think, for Sanna Nyassi, who should get more of a look. Clearly the Union wanted some youth combined with experience in picking Le Toux.

As for James Riley, I'm happy to be incorrect in thinking he'd be picked. No need to rehash his on-field and off-field value.

Le Toux, talented as he is, just didn't show enough in regular-season play, where it matters the most, in my opinion, and was certainly not going to be protected although I'm sure it was tough for guys like Adrian Hanauer, who brought Le Toux to the USL Sounders, and Brian Schmetzer to know that we could be chosen.

UPDATE 12:36 pm I personally liked Sebastien a lot, a great guy, wonderful with the fans, very capable player. But let's face facts - the U.S. Open Cup is great, but the MLS Cup matters more. And Le Toux got his opportunity to start regular-season games and provide a spark off the bench. Based on his performance, which was good, there was no way he'd be protected, and while I think the team would have loved to keep him, it could not afford to give up a protected spot. Maybe he played an unfamiliar position, but he was compensated well and his role was to come in and make something happen, i.e., score.

Another thing to keep in mind -- this team STRUGGLED to score goals at times this year, especially at home, so losing a player who didn't provide much offensive punch in the regular season anyway is not the end of the world. ALLEZ Le Toux!

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Sounders FC loses Sebastien Le Toux to Philadelphia Union

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