Training Camp

Sounders happy to have local talent on roster

Local Sounders Image

Head coach Sigi Schmid glad that the Sounders can promote local talent on senior roster.

There is something to be said for playing in front of your hometown crowd – a certain pride that exists in your local club and a desire to succeed for the family, friends and neighbors who cheer for the same team.


With the acquisitions of Lamar Neagle via trade and Homegrown signing DeAndre Yedlin, the Sounders FC now has three players from the Seattle area on their squad, with Neagle and Yedlin joining goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.


“It’s always great when you can play in your hometown.  Being able to play here is a great thing for them, but it’s also a good thing for the club,” Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid said.  “If you can promote local talent, there is always that special connection between the community and a player.”


That was shown in spades when the Sounders signed US National Team legend and Olympia product Kasey Keller to man the nets and serve as captain for the club’s first three seasons in Major League Soccer.


The opportunity to play in front of his home crowd was a big draw for Keller, who now serves as color commentator on Sounders FC radio and television broadcasts.


That 2009 team also featured goalkeeper Chris Eylander and, at times, Kevin Forrest and Neagle.  Since then, though, the Sounders have never featured more than two Seattle-area products on their roster until now.


On Sunday, the club announced a trade for Neagle, bringing the Federal Way native back to the Sounders for a third stint.  When he reports to camp, the midfielder will have been in Sounders training camp in each of the club’s five years.


While having a local talent is a good draw for the team, there is much more to the trade than bringing back a native son.


“He’s a local boy and a guy who did well for us.  It gives us a little more depth on the wing, maybe (more) than we even need.  Lamar can also play up front.  He’s shown that capability,” Schmid said.  “His versatility and his ability and his desire to be back home are all things that made it come together and work.  We’re happy to have him back.”


Neagle is expected to join the team either Tuesday or Wednesday.

2026 Season Membership Deposits

2026 Season Membership Deposits

Feel the pull of the Sound and step into something bigger. 2026 will continue to put Seattle soccer on the world stage, so there's no better time to join the Rave Green and grow with the Sounders legacy. Secure your seat alongside the best fans in MLS.

Two Tickets & Two Beers (vs. Portland Timbers)

Two Tickets & Two Beers (vs. Portland Timbers)

Come out to Lumen Field to watch your Seattle Sounders take on Portland with this special ticket offer sponsored by Michelob Ultra. For just $40 + Taxes & Fees, get two tickets & two beers for the match. For 21+ fans only and drinks must be picked up in the North Plaza 21+ beer garden prior to kickoff.

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT on October 4.

Match & Merch Bundle (vs. Portland Timbers)

Match & Merch Bundle (vs. Portland Timbers)

Add a limited-edition Cascadia Rivalry t-shirt to your ticket to the Portland Timbers match. Matchday pick up info will be communicated prior to the match via email.

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT on October 4.