Sebastien Le Toux has had a dizzying enough season, playing for his third team just midway through the campaign. But this week has been a blur, traded by Vancouver Friday, practicing with the Red Bulls Saturday and starting in last night’s debut. Scoring in a 2-2 draw with Seattle was just a fitting end.
“I didn’t really think about it,’’ said Le Toux. “It went pretty fast since two days ago. I came late; (Saturday) was my first day with the team. I feel like my mind was really off (last night). But I’m really happy to score my first goal in my new uniform; just disappointed that we didn’t win. But we have to continue on Wednesday and get a win against Chicago.’’
Le Toux – whose contract also runs out this offseason – started up front alongside Kenny Cooper, with Thierry Henry dropped into a playmaking role atop a diamond midfield. It didn’t work tactically, but Le Toux did score in the 24th minute off a rebound from Cooper’s long-range blast.
Once Henry moved back up front and Le Toux went wide right in a 4-4-2, the attack thoroughly outplayed Seattle. And coach Hans Backe is convinced the trio of Le Toux, Cooper and Henry can all co-exist on the field, as long as the latter plays behind the big strikers and has three box-to-box midfielders supporting him.
“I think with another balance in midfield (with) the other three guys, to play Thierry behind these two, I think it’s possible,’’ said Backe. “But you need more box-to-box players around Thierry. Then I think it’s definitely a possibility.’’
That wasn’t an option last night, diminutive Connor Lade starting wide left with Jan Gunnar Solli and Teemu Tainio both injured and Rafa Marquez forced into duty at centerback before leaving with his own injury. But Henry was suitably impressed with his French compatriot nonetheless.
“At the beginning we tried something that clearly didn’t work, because we were not touching the ball. And then I went to see the boss and decided to go back to a 4-4-2 and then we were in better shape I thought. We started to play way better,’’ said Henry, adding “Sebastien had a great game. Scoring a goal in his first game for us was great.’’
Le Toux showed a high work rate and a willingness to make repeated runs even in the sweltering heat; in short, he was like a taller Luke Rodgers.
“(In Norway) we call that a fishing striker: One that always are on that line, ready to break through on anything that goes forward. And I think we have the talent and the capacity to play balls in where he needs to have them,’’ said Soler. “I just remember last year we said before we met Philadelphia don’t let Le Toux go on those runs. It took about 50 seconds in (for him to go on one).’’
Both Le Toux and Soler insist they haven’t even begun to think about an extension for the French striker. Le Toux – who was traded from Philadelphia to Vancouver and now to New York this season – is just focusing on this crazy campaign.
“It’s crazy. I had to be on the east coast, west coast, east coast,’’ said Le Toux, 28. “But I’m living my dream. I’m really glad to be in New York. It’s a great organization like Vancouver and like Philadelphia. I’m pretty lucky I play for a team who play for the top. I’m just looking forward to the next practice tomorrow and next game on Wednesday. After, I just hope to progress.
“I was young and I used to watch (Henry) in World Cup ’98, him scoring goals and being the superstar he is. It’s just great and some of my friends were jealous, it’s funny. He’s a great guy too and just a great player. I’m just lucky and I’m just going to enjoy all the moments I can have over here with him.’’
