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New center back Shane O’Neill brings the Sounders a veteran presence — and fills a huge need

TUKWILA — Shane O’Neill just wanted to experience that vibe of a championship organization.

But due to the roster hole the Sounders have along their defensive back line, the veteran center back could do more than experience the vibe — he could see the field quite a bit while helping Seattle defend their 2019 MLS Cup.

“I’ve been desperate to be a part of a team that’s had kind of a winning culture and see what that’s all about, honestly,” said O’Neill, a 26-year-old native of Middleton, Ireland. “All of the other seasons have been, not disappointments, we just hadn’t been successful.