Over the last two seasons, Lamar Neagle has firmly established himself in the Sounders FC lineup. In 2015, he hopes that the club will continue with its success and push for its first MLS Cup.
“I think for us the last couple of years we’ve always thought that we could go further and this year, winning so much, so many things, and just falling barely short,” said Neagle of the Sounders’ recent postseasons. “You know, it just always seems that one more game and one more effort would have put us over the top, so it was disappointing.
“I think we’re only getting better. Just like last year, we added some new guys that are definitely going to help us with that.”
Consistency has been a key part of the Sounders philosophy since joining MLS in 2009. The same can be said for Neagle, who had a very solid year in 2014 after contributing nine goals and nine assists over 27 starts.
For both club and player to get to the next level, keeping that going in 2015 is going to be essential.
“Just consistency,” said Neagle of how to improve on a very successful 2014. “I think I had a couple of months slump, where I didn’t get an assist or goal, and that’s a long time in the season. I think if I even that out, and have some goals and assists in there and stay consistent and stay a threat, that’ll help everyone on the field, including me.”
Neagle, a native of Federal Way, spent the offseason celebrating a big occasion: his wedding, which didn’t leave many days of rest for the attacker.
“I actually feel all right. I stayed pretty active, even on the honeymoon,” said Neagle coming into preseason training. “My wife is probably more active than me, so she stayed with the hikes and the runs. It wasn’t too much of a break trying to keep up with her.
“I feel good coming into the season. I’m kind of one of the guys that’s been around now so I know what to expect.”
A major life event like marriage put a lot into perspective for Neagle, who will be entering his sixth year as a pro. However, his attitude when donning the Rave Green uniform will remain the way it has for his first five seasons in MLS.
“I think it’s obviously a different mentality,” Neagle said of his mindset now. “You’re starting your own family. Who knows what’s going to happen in the future. You have to be ready for anything. Definitely a mentality change but on the field, I’ll still have the same mentality.”
Neagle and the Sounders kickoff their preseason schedule against UCLA on February 4.
