Lamar Neagle had a pretty good afternoon in the Sounders 6-2 win over the Columbus Crew, scoring the second ever hat trick in the club's MLS history and the first for the team in Seattle. Blaise Nkufo became the first Sounder to notch three in a single game on September 18th of last season-against the Crew no less, in a 4-0 Seattle victory in Columbus-and Neagle was no less impressive in his effort.
Video of all three goals after the jump.
Neagle's first came in the 4th minute and it would set the tone for the afternoon. Mike Fucito would set it up, holding up play wonderfully and sliding a beautiful ball through the Neagle who made an excellent run and fired a low drive that Will Hesmer was unable to control. The ball spun away from the Columbus keeper and into the net to put the Sounders ahead 1-0 right at the start.
Neagle's second game at the end of as lovely a team goal as you'll ever see; Fredy Montero gathered the ball in midfield and slid the ball to Mauro Rosales on the right wing. Rosales slid the ball into the space about to be occupied by James Riley's overlapping run and the right back sent a fantastic cross to the far post where a waiting Neagle sent a right footed volley past a diving Will Hesmer.
Like a true showman, Neagle saved the best for last; with Columbus having gotten one back and looking increasingly threatening in attack, Neagle put it out of reach with his final goal. Rushing down the left wing, Neagle quickly cut back inside into space and from just outside the box launched an absolute rocket that hit the underside of the crossbar, bounced down on the other side of the goal line and back out into play. There was initially some confusion as to whether it would be ruled a goal, but referee Baldomero Toledo pointed to the center circle to erase all doubt.
So, not a bad performance by the local kid done good, eh? Neagle's emergence this season as a key contributor for the Sounders has been unexpected, but it's also been an absolute joy to watch.