Report: Le Toux does not impress Bolton

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When Union star Sebastien Le Toux left Philadelphia to go on trial with Barclays Premier League club Bolton on Jan. 18, it was believed to be a done deal. The work-out was a simple formality in the process to acquire the Unions leading scorer.

However, on Friday, the game may have changed for Le Toux, as one report states the Frenchman did not impress sufficiently and implied his return to Philadelphia.

"Sebastien came in for a couple of days, and to be fair to him he hadn't trained for four or five weeks, Bolton manager Owen Coyle told Sportinglife.com. He did fine and that's where it is. We'd have probably needed a longer look.

"We do have one loan signing available to us. We're hopeful we'll be able to add before the window closes next week."

Speaking of Le Toux in the past tense and in mentioning his off-season form, Coyles statement rings out in volumes for Union fans, who didnt want to lose their clubs offensive catalyst and MVP. And while some may see Le Touxs trial as a slight to the organization and fan base, playing soccer in England is a dream of nearly all professional players.

The Union brass has made it clear that they support any player who has the ambition and opportunity to make the leap to the worlds top soccer stage. In other words, all would be forgiven upon Le Touxs reported return.

Le Toux scored 11 goals and nine assists in 34 games with the Union last season.

Strategic Partnership

When Costa Rican club Deportivo Saprissa and the Union first met, it was business love at first sight.

On Friday, the two franchises announced an official strategic partnership and information-sharing bond to improve the way the clubs are run both in player and business development.

"Saprissa is one of the most successful clubs in our part of the world, said Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. They have won at every level of club competition, developed some big stars, some of which had storied careers abroad and have fueled the national team with many players such as Josu Martinez, who is now a Philadelphia Union player. They have world-class ownership that truly understands the current international football scene and are aligned with our technical and business philosophies. We are delighted and looking forward to our new partnership.

With an aim at brand growth, the two teams will play a preseason game every off-season and will conduct youth technical staff and youth player exchange programs. The clubs will sell each others products in the team store and host clinics.

"Philadelphia has, in a very short time, proven to be one of the top MLS institutions, said Saprissa President Juan Carlos Rojas. We share similar values in terms of how a sports club should be run and this agreement will allow us to collaborate on many fronts. We are excited about the opportunities that this can provide Saprissa in one of the fastest growing soccer markets in the world."

E-mail Ryan Bright at ryanbright13@gmail.com

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