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Federal Way's finest soccer player had his worst season as a Sounders veteran. It was not about the numbers, but a combination of expectations and need that showed Lamar Neagle's best, and worst. At the start of the season he was supposed to be the third goal-scorer. He fared decently, but through the despair of the Dire Days, the thrill of the CCL and then being merely an afterthought it was clear, his time as a Sounders player was done.
Even if his time as a Sounder remained.
Rank: 19 | Age: 28 | Starts: 28 | Appearances: 36 for 2506 minutes | Bench: 10 | Goals: 7 | Assists: 2
all comps, 1st team
Offense:
Neagle is best when he plays off of great players. When space is in front of him he takes it, driving into it and forcing the defense to react. He can shoot, and in previous years was an effective scorer. Not capable of being the primary scorer against MLS defenses, as seen June to August. Prone to be dispossessed and tries to make passes that will slice the defense. When they work the passes are great. When they don't and he's in the midfield it sparks a counter. Great at picking up loose balls in the box, whether on dead balls or live.
Best of 2015 Neagle
Worst of 2015 Neagle
Defense:
Lamar does not give up. When he turns the ball over he will put full effort into retrieving it. Whether as a forward or a winger he is defensively sound, working within the team's system. While many attacking players are a weakness in defensive play, Neagle is strong. For all his strengths in run-of-play defense, his set-play defense in 2015 was bad, not poor. It was bad. Too many of the Sounders' defensive failures laid on Neagle's shoulders.
Physique:
Great engine, but not particularly fast. A man willing to use his body and bleed for his team. Outside of his endurance, Lamar's physique is typical among MLS attackers.
Best Case 2016:
With D.C. United he has the chance to renew his career. Fully capable of netting 8-10 goals in MLS play, particularly in the weaker East. Neagle will have a bit of a burden due to the lack of scoring around him, but with United he will not have the expectations of local pride.