When the Seattle Sounders opened preseason camp on January 14, there was an unfamiliar face among the returners: defender Shane O’Neill.
Fast forward two months and back O’Neill, who joined the team as a trialist, has already started two of the first three matches for the reigning champions.
“Shane has been an excellent pickup for us,” said midfielder Cristian Roldan. “His passing ability is really good.”
After the season-opening win against the Chicago Fire, the numbers support Roldan’s assertion, as O’Neill posted three interceptions, five recoveries and seven clearances. He even earned the corner kick that led to Jordan Morris’ stoppage-time winner.
A cerebral, athletic defender who is comfortable on the ball, O’Neill has quickly established himself as a reliable contributor to the First Team.
Due to the offseason departures of Brad Smith, Román Torres and Kim Kee-hee, Seattle’s back line has been influx throughout the start of the 2020 campaign. As a result, O’Neill’s commanding presence has been a calming influence for the Rave Green.
O'Neill wins the ball back for Seattle against the Fire | Jane Gershovich
“What strikes me is how vocal he is,” said Roldan. “That’s something that people probably don’t see or don’t hear. He really is a vocal leader in the back.”
Goalkeeper Stefan Frei, who’s in his seventh season with Seattle, agrees with Roldan’s assessment, adding praise for how quickly O’Neill has acclimated to all of his new teammates – not just the defenders.
“[He’s been] good,” said Frei. “I think he communicates a lot; he listens well. For him, it’s not just a couple new players. It’s a whole new team.”
With Yeimar Gómez Andrade available after completing his visa process and O’Neill performing well in his absence, the Sounders now appear loaded at center back. Add in Xavier Arreaga and the Sounders now have three solid center backs capable of thriving in MLS.
“We want to have as many people [as possible] competing in their spots,” noted Frei. “That’s a good thing. He fits in well in the locker room as well. Overall, he’s been a great addition.”
When O’Neill signed with the club, his objective was clear: he wanted to prove to the coaching staff that he could compete for playing time. It’s a small sample size, but through the first two matches, O’Neill has demonstrated he’s up to the task.
