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By the Numbers: The one on Le Toux's jersey

In his first and last two seasons as a Philadelphia Union player, Sebastien Le Toux wore number 9, the classic striker’s numeral. When he returned to the club after a year split between Vancouver and New York, his former understudy, Jack McInerney, claimed the nine. Le Toux opted instead for 11, a number traditionally worn by wingers.

Shirt numbers in soccer have a long and complex history. Initially, they were worn in lieu of player names, and played an important role signaling position. In the days of 2-3-5 formations (what! I know!), the front five ran from numbers seven to 11, with the central player wearing nine.