Seattle Sounders: 5 takeaways from first week of training camp
By Paul Taylor
3. Shane O’Neill
Almost on cue, on the same day as Schmetzer’s comments that he was confident the roster situation would be resolved, news came of a signing. As reported by Jayda Evans of The Seattle Times, the Seattle Sounders announced the arrival of Shane O’Neill.
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The addition of O’Neill was a welcome one. Center-back is the biggest concern in respect of its lack of depth, with the likes of Roman Torres gone and Chad Marshall retired. (Interestingly, you can argue the center-back position was the Sounders’ deepest this time last year.)
The Irish defender brings plenty of experience to the club, including six seasons in MLS and some time playing in Europe. His best season was arguably back in 2013 when he played 26 times for the Colorado Rapids and helped them concede the joint-third fewest goals and advance to the playoffs (where they were ironically eliminated by the Sounders).
In this respect, it should probably be expected that O’Neill will be a depth player rather than a regular starter for the Rave Green. Regardless, his veteran experience both in MLS and abroad should prove to be invaluable for the club.