U.S. Soccer is Dr. Daniel Lamar's sideline

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Dr. Daniel Lamar’s view rarely changes. 

He’s one of the most important members of the U.S. Men’s Soccer National Team, but it’s from the sidelines, away from the action, where Lamar spends most of his time. 

The Coastal Orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, who has been the team physician for the U.S. Men’s Soccer National Team for the past three years, wouldn’t want it any other way. 

“It’s a luxury position,” Lamar said. “Nobody wants me to do anything. It’s a nice position to be in.”

Dressed in the United States’ signature navy blue, Nike warm-up jacket and pants, Lamar watches as the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team aims to avoid missing its second-consecutive Olympic tournament. 

After seeing the team fall to Honduras 2-0 Oct. 10 in Sandy, Utah, Lamar spent the next three days making sure the players were ready for their next game, a date with Canada in the third-place game of North and Central America and Caribbean qualifying Oct. 13. 

Prior to the 2016 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Lamar was scheduled to fly to Denmark and France with the team for one final tournament before the Olympic qualifier. 

But that morning, Lamar found himself on the other end of the scalpel after tearing his Achilles tendon while doing box jumps at the gym. 

Lamar had surgery Sept. 4 and was in a walking boot for a month. 

“I had these grand expectations that changed basically without any foresight,” Lamar said. “The patients (have been) having a ball with it. The operating room staff decorated my scooter with baskets and bells. They’ve been having a pretty good laugh at my expense.” 

As the U.S. Men’s Soccer National Team physician, Lamar is responsible for treating everything from strains and other muscular injuries to general illness.

Lamar began working with U.S. Men’s Soccer nearly 10 years ago while working with the United States’ under-17 team as part of his residency program. Since then, Lamar has served as the team physician for the men’s national team, the women’s national team and the men’s Olympic team. 

“It’s definitely unique,” Lamar said. 

During his tenure, Lamar has seen everything from strained muscles and torn ligaments to broken noses and legs. In April 2014, Lamar set Carli Lloyd’s nose when she broke it after colliding with a Chinese defender during a game in South Korea. 

“It can be pretty dramatic,” Lamar said. “The injuries that are the most uncomfortable are the injuries that could prevent someone from returning to his or her sport. The major ligament injuries are the hardest. 

“I usually know what the injury is right away,” Lamar said. “My job is to make them comfortable until we can bring them home.” 

While Lamar has seen his fair share of pain and discomfort, he’s also been able to witness history. 

On Oct. 11, Lamar was on the sidelines for Landon Donovan’s final game with the U.S. Men’s National Team. 

“It was nice to be involved in a moment for a figure who was instrumental to the growth of soccer in the U.S.,” Lamar said. “To be the doctor on the bench for his final game was a pretty cool experience. There were a lot of emotions. It was a unique moment in time.” 

A graduate of Manatee High, Lamar played football and baseball for the Hurricanes. He was recruited for baseball, but ultimately chose to play football for Davidson College in North Carolina. 

During his junior year, Lamar received an unexpected introduction into orthopedics after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. It was a life changing moment for Lamar. 

With an athletic background, Lamar, who always thought he would pursue a career in the medical field, chose sports medicine. It seemed like a natural fit. 

“I’ve had most of the things that my patients complain about,” Lamar said. “It’s given me the ability to empathize. 

“I like getting tangible results,” he said. “You see people who are struggling with injuries that can have a dramatic impact in their life. With orthopedics, it’s about taking an injury into a recovery state. We’re able to solve the problem rather than just manage it.” 

Lamar completed his fellowship in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at the University of Miami and an orthopedic residency at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. 

Lamar returned to Manatee County in 2004 and spent the next 10 years serving as the team physician for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

At the same time, Lamar joined the staff of Coastal Orthopedics where he has helped local athletes overcome significant injuries and return to the sports they love. 

In Nov. 2013, Lamar helped Lakewood Ranch wrestler Ty McLeod return to the mat after tearing his lateral collateral ligament. Two months later, McLeod made his way back to the mat for his senior season. 

“It felt really good to be back,” McLeod told the Observer following his return. "It was hard at first because I didn’t have the cardio, but I battled through it and built my cardio back up. I can’t thank Dr. Lamar enough for everything he did for me. He’s helped me out a lot.” 

In addition to serving as a team physician for U.S. soccer, Lamar also is the team physician for Manatee High and Cardinal Mooney. 

When he’s not hard at work, Lamar spends his time kiteboarding, competing in triathlons and spearfishing. 

“I’m constantly looking for other ways to feed my competitive spirit while staying fit and athletic,” Lamar said. 

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].