Lamar Neagle

Lamar Justin Neagle (born May 7, 1987) is an American soccer player who currently plays for D.C. United in Major League Soccer.

Youth and college

Neagle attended Thomas Jefferson High School, where he was a three-year starter and helped them to a 16-2-4 record and the State 4A championship as a senior. He also broke a 31-year-old school record by scoring six goals in one game as well as being the Seattle Post-Intelligencer's pick for High School All-Star Team during his senior year. As a youth, Neagle also played for the Norpoint Chivas soccer club located in Northeast Tacoma.

Upon graduating high school, Neagle attended and played college soccer for the University of Nevada Las Vegas. At UNLV he played on the three-time first team All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation selection, and played every game but one in his four-year career. He also led the team in goals scored his last two seasons with a total of 9 each year. During his senior year, Neagle was named second team All-Far-West Region 2008.

During his college years he also played with Des Moines Menace of the USL Premier Development League, making 24 appearances and scoring six goals in his two years with the club.

Professional

Seattle Sounders FC

Neagle was a pre-season trialist with the Seattle Sounders FC for two weeks in Southern California. During the trials, Neagle played in two games and had two assists. After graduating university, Neagle returned to train with the team on May 13, 2009.

On June 10, 2009, the Sounders announced that Neagle had signed and been added to the official roster as a Senior Developmental player. Coach Sigi Schmid said, “It’s good to sign a local product to our team. Lamar’s got excellent speed and he’s a player who can play in a number of positions. He’s very comfortable on the flank and has played on the left side as well as the right. He will get a look from us as an outside player, either in midfield or at the back”. Neagle was the fourth player from Washington state to sign with the Sounders after Chris Eylander, Kevin Forrest, and Kasey Keller.

Neagle first appeared on the Seattle roster during the highly anticipated Portland Timbers game. Neagle was also on the team roster for the Houston Dynamo and Kansas City Wizards games but sat on the bench. Neagle played in the Kitsap Pumas game which yielded a 6-0 victory. Neagle made his unofficial debut with a friendly against Chelsea on July 18, 2009. When asked about playing against English Premier League team, Neagle responded “It’s kind of surreal. I grew up watching these guys play for Chelsea. You never think you’re going to get a chance to play against them. It was a great experience. Pretty intimidating, but it was fun.”

Neagle was waived by Seattle on November 25, 2009, having never played a competitive first team game for the team. he subsequently signed for Charleston Battery (who employ him as a forward) in the USL Second Division, and made his competitive professional debut on April 17, 2010, in a game against the Charlotte Eagles.

In September 2010, following the conclusion of the 2010 USL2 season, Neagle transferred to IFK Mariehamn of the Finnish Veikkausliiga. After a successful preseason trial, Neagle was again signed by Seattle on March 2, 2011.

In 2011, Neagle worked his way onto the pitch as a frequent sub and occasional starter for MLS matches, also playing important roles in US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League tournaments. On August 27, 2011, Neagle netted the Sounders' first home hat-trick vs MLS East-leading Columbus Crew.

Montreal Impact

Neagle was traded to Montreal Impact on February 18, 2012, along with teammate Mike Fucito, in exchange for Eddie Johnson.

After scoring his first goal for Montreal against his former club, Sounders FC, during the club's first match at the renovated Stade Saputo. Neagle notched his second of the MLS campaign against the San Jose Earthquakes on August 18, 2012, a 22-yard (20 m) shot that went on to win AT&T Goal of the Week honors.

Return to the Sounders

On January 27, 2013, the Sounders traded an international roster spot to the Montreal Impact in order to re-acquire Neagle for his third stint with the team.

DC United

Neagle was traded to D.C. United on December 7, 2015 in exchange for allocation money. On March 7, Neagle made his debut and scored his first goal with United in a 1–4 away loss to LA Galaxy in the 2016 Major League Soccer season opener.

Statistics accurate as of November 5, 2013

Lamar is the son of John Brown and Bridget Neagle and Frankie and Maria Lawson. He has five siblings named Shedrick, Jamaal, Tanisha, Daisia, and Jasmine.

Charleston Battery

• USL Second Division Champions (1): 2010
• USL Second Division Regular Season Champions (1): 2010

Seattle Sounders FC

• Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (2): 2011, 2014
• MLS Supporters' Shield: 2014

Individual

• USL Second Division Most Valuable Player (1): 2010

• Gaschk, Matt (August 28, 2011). "Hat Trick Hero". Seattle Sounders FC. Retrieved February 23, 2016.