10 months from the inaugural season, the Seattle Sounders FC is prepared to make it's first official signing today. The club wont have to go far to do so. French striker, Sebastien Le Toux, last year's USL MVP for the Seattle Sounders will be our first official signing.
Le Toux originally tried out for FC Dallas in 2007, but rejected their offer of a developmental contract. A converted center back, he currently plays forward for the Seattle Sounders, where he totaled 17 goals through all competitions last year. Seattle Sounders Coach Brian Schmetzer had plenty of praise for the Frenchman, "As soon as we started training, I noticed that he was the fittest player I've ever seen. He just runs longer, harder and faster."
Most scouts have projected Le Toux as more of an outside midfield player than a forward in the MLS. At 24, the lanky young man is recognized for his size, speed and amazing endurance. He could be the latest product from the factory of MLS forwards that is the Seattle Sounders. Both Brian Ching (Houston) and Maykel Galindo (Chivas USA) passed through Seattle to jump start their MLS careers.
Though not Henry, the French striker/midfielder is still a solid first signing for the franchise. He provides some MLS-ready talent that would probably be difficult to pick up in the expansion draft. If everything works out, maybe we will start 2009 with an all-France striker pairing (Le Toux, Henry). One can dream, right?