Sure Sebastien Le Toux is likely to get more playing time with the Philadelphia Union than he got this year with Sounders FC, and sure, he is also likely to be put back into the attacking forward position next season with the new MLS club, but please forgive Sounders fans if they are making it all about themselves right now. The sentiment around the internet is sadness to see a great person and a promising player leave Seattle.
Seattle Offside Blog: This is the post where we just get to feel sad, and to grieve over the fact that Le Toux’s days in Rave Green are over.
Because the thing about Séba? He was far more than just numbers. He was greater than a tally of his goals.
Séba was the heart of the Seattle Sounders. He was the first guy signed. The one who always had time for the fans. The player who was never too busy to sign autographs. The one who always gave 120%.
One of two players (the other being Roger Levesque) that I did NOT want Philly to take.
In all of the Sounders FC soccer forums fans are pouring out their thoughts and emotions about a Frenchman who obviously struck a chord with Seattle. A hard-worker who never gave up, never put his head down, was always the last guy on the pitch after a match, signing autographs. A great spokesman for the game and the club. Loved by the fans.
"I'm gutted. We all love Sebastien because of his work rate, his commitment to the city, and amazing rapport with the fans. I really really hope we make some sort of trade to get him back. We would be losing a great guy if we don't."
"RIP French Connection.
I know right now I'll be wearing my Le Toux jersey on opening night. Done Deal."
"Wow. Didn't see that coming. Seba is so connected with Seattle for me that it's like shipping the Space Needle to Philadelphia. He's such a class act. I was prepared to be disappointed, but I'm surprised at how sad I am."
"Now let me preface my post with I am severely pissed. But I have cooled down since the news and let's analyze this. Seba was the face of the USL sounders but in MLS he did not produce as much as I anticipated. I think a total of 2-3 goals? Not much. We still have our starting team intact. All but Wahl, Montero, and Ljundberg have solid contracts.
I will get paranoid if we lose Montero and Ljundberg. But of those two Ljundberg is more likely to remain next season. With Le Toux and Montero possibly out that leaves us with a really nice chunk of change to get an impact forward even more so than Montero.
But I am really just tyring to distract myself from being sad. With that said, Hanauer is very intent at keeping the core of this team intact. Seba was a moral part of that core, but results-wise he just plain was not".
Prost Amerika: Au Revoir Monsieur Le Toux
I first saw Sebastien in March 2007 when he tried out for the Sounders on a cold night at Starfire. He was instantly impressive. I have uploaded some photos that many of you might not have yet seen...Sebastien's early days with the USL Sounders in 2007 and 2008. For fans that started following the Sounders in MLS, these shots may give you an idea of why Le Toux is 'family,' and why his pick by Philly hurts well beyond the roster.
From 2007:
Comments
SAVE SEBA!!!
The Sounders need to get him back. He is one of a core of players that are the identity of this team. The FO can't discount the importance of OUR team being a family. If the Sounders just let him go without trying to trade to get him back, I will be severely disappointed and feel like the Sounders don't care about maintaining a true "family" and "community" vibe. We aren't just robot fans rooting for robot players. You can't just let someone like Le Toux go. I hope the FO and the coach realize that.
bright dont be such a little girl
I'll miss the PERSON. The player was not really a big factor for most of 2009...
all the reasons we love Seba are the same reasons the union picked him, shouldn't be a surprise; good luck to him.
What a great experience. To be able to break into the MLS with the SFC from the USL team, and now to be wanted by the expansion team. Good on Seba! I for one am proud to have watched you over the years. Good luck.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!