A lot of Sounders FC players have stepped up this season, culminating in the best start in franchise history. MLS veteran defender Shane O’Neill is at the top of the list, helping to solidify a new three-center back system and a defense that has only allowed two goals so far, both off of set pieces.
O’Neill, who joined Brad Evans and Steve Zakuani on this week’s Side x Side podcast, credits his seemingly easy assimilation into the new system to his time playing for Orlando City SC.
“This season, playing the back three, in 2019 Orlando, that’s all we played in preseason,” O’Neill said. “And so I got drilled on this formation so much with James O’Connor [former ORL head coach]. And I actually felt like going into that season, this was going to be a big year for me. I felt so prepared mentally.”
Additionally, O’Neill has found comfort in calling the city of Seattle home. Born in Ireland and a product of the Colorado Rapids academy system, the 27-year-old defender played in Belgium, Cyprus, England and the Netherlands before joining Orlando. Now in his second season in the Pacific Northwest, O’Neill is enjoying his time in the region, particularly adventuring into nearby national parks and hanging with teammates.
“I’ve been trying to get out as much as possible, hanging with the boys,” O’Neill said. “We’ve got Kelyn Rowe back in town, so he’s plugging us into all the Seattle things. Spencer Richey, as well. All the boys back in town showing us the best bits of Seattle.”
As always, make sure to listen, review, and subscribe to the Side x Side podcast – available on iTunes, Spotify, and wherever else you find your podcasts.
