Roy Lassiter is one of the best forwards to ever play in Major League Soccer, and his league-record 27 goals in 1996, which still stands today, helps to explain why.
Lassiter joined the Tampa Bay Mutiny in 1996 after a two-year stint with the Costa Rican club LD Alajuelense, and his impact on league in its inaugural season was immediate.
He finished with 27 goals and 4 assists in 1996 – leading MLS in both goals and total points (58) – was crowned the MLS Scoring Champion, and was named to the MLS Best XI. Lassiter tallied 37 goals in his two years with the Mutiny before going on loan to Italian side Genoa.
After his short time in Italy, Lassiter rejoined Major League Soccer, this time with D.C. United. He picked up where he had left off and netted 36 goals in his 55 appearances for United.
He spent the 2000 season playing for the Miami Fusion, but was traded to the Kansas City Wizards in 2001. He rejoined D.C. in 2002 where he would finish his MLS career.
OTHER:
Lassiter attended North Carolina State University and was twice named first team All-ACC.
Lassiter made 30 appearances for the United States National Team from 1992-2000, scoring four goals for the US.
HONORS/CAREER STATISTICS:
MLS Scoring Champion: 1996
MLS Best XI: 1996
MLS record holder for single-season goals (27)
MLS appearances: 179
MLS goals: 88
United States National Team caps: 30
United States National Team goals: 4
