The Philadelphia Union are short a top scorer after dealing Sebastien Le Toux to Vancouver for an undisclosed amount of money.
"While this decision wasn't easy, we are confident that the allocation money we receive will provide the flexibility for us to compile the best possible roster for 2012 and beyond," said Union manager Peter Nowak. "Sebastien has been a valuable member of our team for two years and we thank him for his many contributions to the club."
Valuable for sure. The Frenchman led the Union with 11 goals, nine assists and 30 shots on goal last season as Philly earned its first trip to the MLS playoffs.
Le Toux seemed to take the news of being dealt to the Whitecaps hard.
“Just got traded to Vancouver! Saddest day for me in my Philadelphia Union story.... Still can't believe it,” he tweeted Tuesday before the team officially announced the deal.
Feelings aside, dealing Le Toux had to do with cold hard cash and what it could mean to the Union.
"We feel that in the best interest of our club these decisions need to be made for our short and long-term benefit," added Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. "Although we achieved great success making it to the semifinals of the playoffs last year we are not in any way content with that. We operate in a highly competitive and demanding marketplace and believe the moves we have made and continue to make improve our roster and give us a better chance to advance past the semifinals."
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