Le Toux has a chance to start at
striker in place of the red-carded
Fredy Montero. Greg Roth / NSS
Starting at midfield for most of the season, Sebastien Le Toux lost his starting job to Steve Zakuani during Seattle’s loss to Chivas USA, April 18.
But Le Toux wouldn’t have to wait on the sidelines for long, as he wowed a packed house at a US Open Cup match against Real Salt Lake 10 days later, then set up Seattle’s game-tying goal against Chicago later that week.
And he did it all at forward, a position very familiar to the Frenchman. Now, he’ll practice this week hoping head coach Sigi Schmid gives him a chance to start in place of the red-carded Fredy Montero.
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“What I prefer is to play up front,” Le Toux said. “But if Schmid asks me to play midfield, I will do my job to play midfield. But I am learning everyday. It’s a new position for me so I’ve got to make progress at the position.”
As of Tuesday, Le Toux hadn’t been told if he’d start or not.
"I think the coach is still thinking about it," Le Toux said. "But no matter what I will do my best and am working real hard and getting ready."
A natural striker
Seasoned Sounders fans are familiar with Le Toux’s efforts at striker.
Playing for the USL-1 Sounders from 2007-2008, Le Toux scored 24 goals. Among his numerous accolades, Le Toux earned MVP honors in 2007 for leading the league in scoring with 10 goals and 24 total points.
Before emigrating to the U.S., Le Toux played primarily as a defender for FC Lorient in the French League 2 and French First Division club Stade Renais.
Le Toux will potentially provide an advantage for the Sounders at forward. Known for his tenacious work ethic, Le Toux doesn't shy away from helping out on both sides of the ball, something Jaqua and Montero aren’t well known for. Experienced at defender, Le Toux has the tackling ability of a defender with the attacking skills of a forward.
Leading up to to this weekend
Starting in a US Open Cup play-in against Real Salt Lake as a striker April 28, Le Toux was all over the stat sheet, pairing two goals with two assists.
Le Toux prepares to boot one of his two goals in
Seattle's 4-1 win against Real Salt Lake in a U.S.
Open Cup play-in. Greg Roth / NSS
Le Toux got a chance to play at forward for the first time in an official MLS regular season match last Saturday when Montero was ejected from the match with a red card. Le Toux subbed in for Zakuani, then moved to forward after Nate Jaqua went to midfield.
Playing with fresh legs and his trademark high energy, Le Toux set up Seattle’s lone goal to tie the game 1-1 by forcing a corner kick. The set piece goal was the first of the season and more importantly gave Seattle a tie despite playing nearly half the game shorthanded.
“[Le Toux] certainly presents us alternatives, and it was nice to be able to play him up front, where he’s obviously more comfortable than he is in a wide position,” head coach Sigi Schmid said.
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
