CHARLESTON, S.C. – Wofford College men’s soccer four-year standout defender Forrest Lasso achieved a lifelong dream earlier this week, signing a deal to play professional soccer with the United Soccer League’s Charleston Battery, effective immediately.
Lasso becomes just the second Terrier in recent history to play professionally. Former Terrier Thomas Hunter signed for a stint with the North American Soccer League (NASL) club Atlanta Silverbacks following the 2009 season.
“Playing professional soccer was a childhood dream of mine, and it became a reality when I got to put the pen to the paper,” said Lasso on signing. “I’m really excited to get started.
“I’ve always wanted to go pro, and I can’t thank (Wofford) coach (Ralph) Polson, (former Wofford assistant) coach (Joel) Tyson and my teammates enough for all of their help. They helped me mature on and off the field. Their motivation, along with hard work, has helped me get to where I am today.
“I’m also really thankful for the Charleston Battery and coach (Mike) Anhaeuser for the opportunity to play for such a great club. It’s the first chapter in hopefully a long career, and I can’t express enough how grateful I am for the opportunity.”
“We’re excited to have Forrest signing a professional contract with the Charleston Battery,” Polson said. “Charleston has a longstanding history of success in the USL, winning four league championships, and it’s exciting to see Forrest become a part of that group. Charleston is a great landing spot for him to start his professional career, and we wish him the best of luck in his rookie season.”
Lasso led the Terriers back line in 2014, starting at center back in 17 games. 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 with numerous achievements, being named an All-Southern Conference First Team and NSCAA All-South Region First Team selection before earning Third Team All-America honors from the NSCAA. 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.
"We are excited to add Forrest Lasso to our defensive unit for his rookie year,” Battery head coach Anhaeuser remarked. “He has been very solid in preseason for us [the Battery] and has the tools to be a solid center back at the professional level if he keeps working and learning."
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 alum 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.
Lasso will wear No. 3 on the Battery.
The Charleston Battery is a member of the United Soccer League, the third division of American Soccer behind Major League Soccer and the NASL. The Battery, founded in 1993, is an affiliate of the MLS’ Houston Dynamo. Some notable alumni of the Battery include Canadian National Team standout and current San Jose Earthquake head coach Mark Watson, current Seattle Sounders player Lamar Neagle and former Kansas City Wizards keeper and current head coach at ETSU Bo Oshoniyi.
Lasso and the Battery play their next match on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 5 p.m. against the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer in the sold-out first night of the Carolina Challenge Cup. Tickets to the second and third nights of the tournament are still available via charlestonbattery.com, or over the phone at 843-971-GOAL (4625).