KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) announced its All-America teams on Friday afternoon, with Wofford senior Forrest Lasso one of 36 players named a Division I All-American.
Lasso, a native of Raleigh, N.C., was selected to the 2014 All-America Third Team. Lasso is the fifth Wofford men’s soccer player to earn All-America honors, joining Nick Schuermann, a 2010 graduate, as the only other Terrier to earn All-America honors during the Division I era. Schuermann was also named to the third team in the 2009 season.
John Mankowski, Brian Thomas and Tom Hamilton all earned NAIA All-America honors. Mankowski and Thomas were named to both the 1981 and 1982 teams, while Hamilton was selected in 1984.
“It’s such a huge honor,” Lasso said. “Reaching this point has always been a goal of mine, and I know I couldn’t have done it alone. I’m extremely thankful for my team, my coaches and my family for continuing to push me and help me grow throughout my career. Throughout my four years, I had to overcome adversity, and I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. It’s a great day to be a Terrier.”
Lasso led the Terriers back line, starting at center back in 17 games this season. Aside from his impact on the Terrier defense, the senior scored two goals while assisting three scores for seven points. Lasso capped off his senior season being named a Southern Conference first-team and NSCAA All-South Region first-team selection.
“The All-American nod is a tremendous honor for our team and Forrest,” Wofford coach Ralph Polson remarked. “It’s a great way for him to cap a phenomenal career. His hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, and it is an honor to be recognized by other coaches for the quality of soccer we are producing at Wofford.”
Lasso started in every game he played for the Terriers, totaling 71 contests in his collegiate career. The center back racked up 14 goals and eight assists for 36 points throughout his four years at Wofford. Of the 14, four of his goals were game-winners, including a header to clinch the Terriers’ 2013 regular-season championship over then-No. 14 Furman. The Needham Broughton High School graduate also earned Southern Conference honors each season of his career, being named to the 2011 SoCon All-Freshman Team and the 2012 and 2013 all-conference second teams.
Founded in 1941 and based in Kansas City, Mo., the NSCAA is a non-profit organization with a mission to educate coaches, encourage excellence and serve the soccer community.