TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The Tampa Bay Rowdies returned to the field this week for preseason and so did veteran defender Forrest Lasso.
After scoring two goals May 18, 2024, Lasso was named Player of the Week for his performance.
However, the next day the Rowdies announced he tore his ACL, which was the beginning of a long road to recovery, but he said it shaped him into the person he is today.
“Devastating, tragic, heartbreaking but where I am today, I mean it was an incredible journey, super fun. I learned a lot about myself and learned a lot about being a professional athlete, even after 11 years professional,” said Lasso.
He leaned on his wife and children during his road to recovery.
“I knew I would get emotional. I didn’t think it would be like this. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t I’ve done everything to accomplish all this but when I go home, I can’t look in the mirror and tell myself that I quit because my two boys really resonated with me as soon as the injury happened. You know when I go home nothing else matters,” said Lasso.
The center back said he never takes a moment of the game for granted, thanks to this experience.
“I’ve done this since I was 3. Fatherhood has been a tremendous perspective for me as a professional literally gone the next day and I got to experience that buckle up and be grateful but it’s what I do so I’m happy to be here especially wearing that uniform. I don’t think I would only be anywhere else,” said Lasso.
The Rowdies kick off season March 8 at Las Vegas.
