Philly fan favorite Le Toux will be missed by many
What a day to be a Union fan! Just when many had given up hope on a major signing, in comes USMNT star Alejandro Bedoya. But wait, theres more! With the big signing of Bedoya came a possible wage misbalance. With only hours to spare on deadline day, the Union announced the departure of Union veteran and fan favorite Sebastien Le Toux to the Colorado Rapids. The aging Frenchman was a veteran leader for the Union, and one that the fans always rallied behind. He holds the record for both goals and assists during his time in Philly, and will be missed by many fans. On the flip side, his wage opened up room in the squad, and the Union will receive General Allocation Money in the deal. With the deadline day almost over the Union announced one last surprise signing. Charlie Davies will supplement the Union strike force for the remainder of the season, as the Union acquired the veteran striker from the New England Revolution. For Davies, the Revs will receive Targeted Allocation Money, General Allocation Money, and the Union’s first round pick in the 2018 draft. The Union will get the Revolution’s 3rd round pick in 2018 to sweeten the deal slightly.
With these deals comes the loss of the first round picks in the first round of both 2017 and 2018. Chicago received the 2017 pick in the deal to get the rights to Alejandro Bedoya. It is hard to say if the Union will net gains or losses after Wednesday night. Two signings and one departure means the Union might lose money in wages and in Allocation Money. However, these deals show the organization’s desire to make a playoff push, and the trust they have in this team. Coach Jim Curtin and Sporting Director Earnie Stewart have done tremendous work to get such a young team in a great position for the playoffs, and with the addition of two veteran players, both of which have featured in the USMNT, the organization is showing its dedication to winning.
The loss of two consecutive first round picks may seem detrimental. However, it appears Stewart has full confidence in the clubs academy system to call up first team players. Who needs a draft pick when you have first team quality coming from the youth system? It is how Europe operates, and how the United States is hoping to develop young talent in the future.
Things look good for the Union. A strong squad just got stronger, and the organization is showing confidence in the youth system; more confidence than in the draft it would seem. Perhaps the new changes will be just what the squad needs to get out of it’s two game slide, and return to it’s winning ways.
