SAL ZIZZO
June 5, 2017
Ryan Durand – Tennessee Titans
June 5, 2017
“Off the Charts”
In 2010, Neagle was cut from Seattle’s preseason camp and later signed with the Charleston Battery, a USL Pro team in the third tier of American soccer. A year later, he not only made Seattle’s MLS team, but is fighting for a starting spot every week. Players improving during the season is common, but Sounders FC’s Lamar Neagle’s development this season is off the charts. “That’s a pretty good jump,” said coach Sigi Schmid. Neagle’s production is similarly impressive. The Federal Way native has five goals, tied for third on the team, but has done it in just 919 minutes. Neagle’s 0.49 goals-per-90-minutes average tops the team. Better than designated players and leading scorers Fredy Montero (0.47) and Alvaro Fernandez (0.43). Neagle’s three game-winning goals are tied for eighth best in MLS. His hat trick in an Aug. 27 game against Columbus was the second three-goal performance in team history. “It’s been quite the progression,” said a smiling Neagle, who was on the Sounders’ 2009 roster but didn’t play. “It’s gone pretty fast after my slow start as a pro, but it’s been great. I’m embracing every chance I get. We’ve had a bunch of injuries, and that’s where I’ve gotten my chances. I’ve been grateful for that and trying to get better each day.” Not bad for someone who wasn’t sure if he’d even get on the field this season.
Joshua Mayers Seattle Times October 12, 2011.
