Union Trade for Le Toux

(Photo: Bearded soccer)

The Union trade for former player Sebastien Le Toux in a deal that send Josue Martinez to The New York Red Bulls along with allocation money. Le Toux is the Union’s all time leading goal scorer with 25 goals and assist leader with 20.  Martinez appeared in 18 games and scored 1 goal in his brief stint with the Union.

Le Toux will boost the attack and add some depth on the roster. Le Toux can play striker, on the wing and in the midfield his diversity will help the Union. He has always had a deep affection for the Union team and the Philadelphia region.  The Frenchman was traded from the Union to the Whitecaps before the season. Not being able to deliver with the Whitecaps he was traded to the Red Bulls. He had trouble fitting in the NY attack with Tim Cahill, Henry and Cooper. Le Toux only scored 5 goals last season.

The MLS MVP candidate may not be the answer but is a step in the right direction as the Union will continue to bolster their attack. If the Union can land a veteran power striker to anchor the attack then the team can seem themselves flourishing in 2013. With Martinez gone, the Union gain another international spot that can be used to land a foreign player.

The Union front office worked diligently to reel in the former player and made sure to make it known they plan for him to stay many years. Le Toux’s presence in the locker room is invaluable. He brings hard work and maturity to things that are needed with this youthful team.

Union manager John Hackworth says they will use him as a forward starting up top with most likely Jack Mac. Unless the Union go out and sign a big name striker to partner up with Le Toux, the LeToux Mac pairing is not a favorable one, both are short and the skills will not match up. A power striker is needed someone Le Toux can run off of and make plays for.

The Union have also announced the signing of central defender Jeff Parke. Parke has played his last three years at Seattle playing in 78 games and became a starter towards the end of the season. The Union gave up a lump sum of allocation money to land the former Drexel player.

The 30 year old defender is an MLS vet who brings a bevy of experience. Jeff Parke is a solid defender who is expected to challenge for a starting spot in the lineup, most likely moving Okugo into the midfield.