Seattle Sounders Rumors: Lamar Neagle Set to Be Traded?

How much stock should be put in a report that the Seattle Sounders have agreed a deal to trade Lamar Neagle to D.C. United?

The 2015 season was once again a case of so close, but yet so far for the Seattle Sounders. On the verge of the Western Conference final, they conceded a goal deep into injury time against FC Dallas, and went on to lose in a penalty shootout.

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Understandably, Sigi Schmid is looking to tweak the roster, and finally get his team to the MLS Cup final. It might not be too much of a stretch to call this the most important offseason to date, in the history of the Sounders.

In that respect, Seattle may well have already made their first move. Apparently, Lamar Neagle is headed to D.C. United.

The news comes via Ryan Keefer of Black and Red United. It should be noted they aren’t saying the trade is definitely happening, but there is a strong indication the deal is going ahead.

As per Keefer’s excellent article, the news was first reported by Mike Standish, who is a co-host of the Icosahedron Podcast. Standish was advised of the trade by Neagle’s father-in-law.

Furthermore, the 28-year old midfielder/forward is allegedly not very happy with the move. This would make sense, given that he is originally from the area, and this would be the third time he has left Seattle.

Despite playing regularly, Neagle took a step back for Seattle during the 2015 season. He ended the campaign with four goals and two assists, compared to nine goals and nine assists the year before.

Jul 11, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Seattle Sounders FC midfielder/forward Lamar Neagle (27) heads the ball against the Chicago Fire during the first half at Toyota Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

In his defense, the Tacoma, Washington native’s role changed as the season progressed. This was in part influenced by Seattle’s seemingly endless list of injuries.

In total, Neagle has scored 28 goals and contributed 19 assists in 139 appearances for the Sounders. He has just completed the first season of a three year deal, which he signed back in March.

If we take into account the circumstances surrounding 2015, you could be forgiven for asking why Schmid would not want to keep Neagle around? In the end, it may well simply come down to his opportunities to contribute regularly.

With strikers such as Obafemi Martins, Client Dempsey and Chad Barrett to contend with, his chances up front are likely limited. Similarly, there is an abundance of talent available to play out on the wing.

If the rumor does turn out to be true, it raises the question of what the Sounders are going to get in return? Their roster is already above the MLS limit, so Keefer suspects Seattle will receive an international roster spot. (They currently have eight international players, but just seven international roster spots.)