The Sounders Sunday re-acquired homegrown midfielder Lamar Neagle from the Montreal Impact in exchange for an international roster spot through the 2014 season. A Federal Way native and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Neagle, 25, is joining Sounders for the third time following stints in 2009 and 2011.
Neagle spent the 2012 MLS season with the Impact after he was traded by Seattle along with Mike Fucito to the expansion club in exchange for forward Eddie Johnson. Neagle scored two goals with two assists in 23 appearances last season.
“We are very excited about bringing Lamar back to Seattle,” said Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “He is an attacking midfielder who plays smart and adds versatility to our club. Lamar scored a few key goals for us in the past while being a very consistent player. He is a great teammate and positive presence in the locker room.”
Neagle, who played college soccer at UNLV, joined the Sounders June 10, 2009. In 2010, he won Golden Boot and MVP honors in USL-2 for the Charleston Battery. Following the season, Neagle was signed by Finland’s IFK Mariehamn, where he played in five league matches, scoring two goals.
He signed with Seattle as a free agent March 2, 2011, and scored a career-high five goals with two assists in 23 appearances. Neagle was the second player in club history to net a hat trick.
At UNLV, Neagle was a three-time Mountain Pacific Sports Federation first-team selection.
“It’s amazing to come home and rejoin the Sounders,” said Neagle. “The fans have had so much support for me throughout my career and Sigi was the first coach to give me a chance. It’ll be fun for me to connect back with the guys and get to work. I’m looking forward to having a strong season.”
Sounders FC opens the 2013 MLS season March 2 against the Impact at CenturyLink Field.
