Lamar Neagle was born in Tacoma, grew up and played high school soccer at Thomas Jefferson High in Federal Way, and completed the local run by signing a contract today with Seattle Sounders FC.

Here's the Sounders' news release:

The Seattle Sounders FC has signed midfielder Lamar Neagle, the team announced today. He has been added to the official roster as a Senior Developmental player.

Neagle, a 2009 UNLV graduate, is a three-time first team All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation selection. He played in every game, but one for the Running Rebels in his four-year career, and led the team in scoring his final two seasons. He scored nine goals in each of his final two seasons. As a senior in 2008, he was named second team All-Far-West Region.

“It’s good to sign a local product to our team,” said Coach Sigi Schmid. “Lamar’s got excellent speed and he’s a player who can play in a number of positions. He’s very comfortable on the flank and has played on the left side as well as the right. He will get a look from us as an outside player, either in midfield or at the back. ”

Born in Tacoma, Neagle was a three-year starter for Federal Way’s Thomas Jefferson High School. He led them to a 16-2-4 record and the state 4A championship as a senior. Neagle broke a 31-year-old school record by scoring six goals in one game, and was named to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer High School All-Star Team his senior season. He played club soccer for the Norpoint Chivas in Northeast Tacoma.

Neagle was a pre-season trialist with the Sounders FC for two weeks in Southern California, where he played in two games and recorded two assists. After completing his studies, Neagle returned to train with the team on May 13.

Neagle becomes the fourth local product signed by Sounders FC. Chris Eylander, Kevin Forrest and Kasey Keller also played prep and club soccer in Washington.

Transactions: Seattle Sounders (MLS) – Signed MF Lamar Neagle

Lamar Neagle
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
Birthdate: 5/7/1987
Hometown: Federal Way, Wash. (USA)
College: UNLV (2005-2009)
Pronunciation: NAY-gull

I spoke to Neagle a little during the week, and have some of his reaction in the Thursday paper.

=> Read more!

The No. 1 and 2 teams in the MLS Western Conference will play at 5:30 this evening on ESPN2.

In fact, Chivas is No. 1 overall in MLS with 27 points, and Houston is tied for No. 2 overall with Eastern leader Chicago.

The Sounders -- tied for third in the West and tied for fifth overall -- will likely be watching with interest.

Here's a preview story from MLSnet.com.

The second annual Puget Sound Corporate Soccer
Challenge will pit Boeing vs. Microsoft and Starbucks vs. Expedia at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. respecitvely Saturday at Qwest Field, before the stadium will be cleared for the Sounders-Quakes game.

A suggested $5 donation will be collected for the corporate challenge games. Proceeds benefit
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska, which provides a “home-away-from-home” for seriously ill children and their families.

There also will be a Ronald McDonald House fund-raising party on Thursday at the Highway 99 Blues Club in Seattle. That event will include a silent auction from 6-8 p.m. and music by the Sonic Funk Orchestra from 9 to midnight. The club is located at 1414 Alaskan Way. The $20 includes and appetizer buffet. Those planning to attend the party should email to pscscevent@hotmail.com.

Click here for details on each event, or simply to donate to one of the best causes imaginable.