An Emerald City Homecoming

Lamar Neagle will be suiting up with the Seattle Sounders for an unprecedented third time since his initial signing with the West-coast powerhouse.  I was surprised to discover only hours after publishing The Major League Connection that it had already become outdated!

The Washington native began his professional career with the Sounders in 2009 having come from UNLV's soccer program.  Joining the Charleston Battery in 2010, Neagle earned the USL-2 Golden Boot and League MVP while plying his trade in the Lowcountry.  The attacking midfielder spent time abroad, recording a successful spell with Finland's IFK Mariehamn before returning home to once again play with Seattle.

Neagle netted a few crucial goals for the Rave Green in 2011, scoring five goals and two assists while logging only 1,008 on-field minutes.  (Not to mention becoming only the second player in franchise history to bag a hat-trick!)  He also found the net in the playoffs, but was traded to expansion side Montreal Impact the following year.  The Cascadia-born footballer did well in the Impact's system, but was underutilized at best.

While Seattle's midfield department is bursting with talent, this hometown hero is a welcome addition to a promising Sounders squad.  Seattle boast the most vibrant supporters in Major League Soccer and I'm sure the Emerald City is ecstatic at the return of one of their own.



(photo credit: SC Soccer Blog)