Sebastien Le Toux came to the United States from France to play Major League Soccer.
Two seasons later than he had originally planned, Le Toux will get that chance when the Seattle Sounders FC begin play in 2009.
Le Toux, 24, was announced Wednesday by Seattle's expansion MLS team as the club's first signing.
"Today is a great day for me," said Le Toux, who has played for F.C. Lorient in the French League 2 and Stade Renais FC in the French First Division. "It was my wish to stay here and play in the MLS. I really wanted to stay here so I'm very happy."
Le Toux tried out with MLS's Dallas FC last year, but ended up with the Sounders of the United Soccer League. He led the team in scoring with 22 points and was named the USL First Division MVP. Le Toux scored five goals in the U.S. Open Cup as the Sounders beat two MLS teams on the way to the semifinals.
Following his successful 2007 campaign, Le Toux could have likely played Major League Soccer this season, but instead decided to stay with the Sounders this season. He will play the season on loan to the USL Sounders, then be officialy added to the Sounders FC roster when the MLS's official signing period opens following the 2008 season.
Le Toux said he likes the Northwest and did not want to leave knowing he only needed to wait one year to play Major League Soccer in Seattle.
"I really wanted to stay here," he said. "I really like my life here in Seattle. All the people I know, the fans, I really like everybody here."
Le Toux is the first player on the current Sounders roster to sign with the MLS squad, but he hopes he's not the last.
"I signed already, and now they can do the same thing," he said. "I hope they progress and work a lot this year. I too want to work hard and continue to progress this year. I hope they do the same as me, and sign with me and we can play together next season."
Le Toux said he has not met fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry, one of soccer's biggest names, who has been rumored as a possible target of the Sounders FC.
