Brief Introduction of Forrest Lasso
Forrest Baldwin Lasso is a distinguished American professional soccer player, widely recognized for his formidable presence as a center-back. Throughout his career, he has been celebrated for his defensive prowess, leadership on the field, and consistent high-level performances in the USL Championship. Lasso is a three-time recipient of the USL Championship Defender of the Year award, a feat that distinguishes him as one of the most decorated defenders in the league’s history. His journey in professional soccer has seen him play for several clubs, including the Charleston Battery, FC Cincinnati, Nashville SC, and a stint in Sweden with GIF Sundsvall. However, he is perhaps most famously associated with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, where he has become a club icon. His commitment to his faith, family, and the sport has been a defining characteristic of his career. Forrest Lasso has announced his intention to retire following the 2025 season, concluding an impactful and celebrated career in American soccer.

Forrest Lasso Overview
| Full Name | Forrest Baldwin Lasso |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1993 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 32 |
| Birthplace | Raleigh, North Carolina, United States |
| Profession | Professional Soccer Player |
| Husband/Wife | Melody Lasso |
| Family | Wife (Melody), two sons, parents, and siblings |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Forrest Lasso
Forrest Lasso was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. He attended Needham B. Broughton High School, where he laid the foundation for his soccer career. During his time there, he was a key player for the school’s soccer team, contributing to conference championships in his sophomore, junior, and senior years, which led the team to the state tournament in each of those seasons. His outstanding performances did not go unnoticed, as he was selected for the All-CAP 8 Conference team after his junior and senior years and made the All-Region team in his senior year. Following his high school success, Lasso pursued higher education and collegiate soccer at Wofford College. He was a four-year starter for the Terriers, making 71 career starts on defense. His father is a lawyer, and during his college years, Lasso considered the possibility of attending law school, although he ultimately pursued a professional soccer career.
Forrest Lasso’s Career
Forrest Lasso’s collegiate career at Wofford College was highly successful, where he was a four-year starter and earned All-Southern Conference honors three times. As a senior, he was named a third-team NSCAA All-American, only the second player in the school’s history to receive this honor. His professional journey began in 2015 when he earned a contract with the Charleston Battery after a successful trial. He spent three seasons with the Battery, making a significant impact and earning a spot on the 2017 USL All-League First Team after scoring six goals as a defender.
In 2018, Lasso signed with FC Cincinnati for their final season in the USL Championship. This proved to be a landmark year for him as he was named the USL Defender of the Year and was instrumental in the team winning the USL Players’ Shield. He then made the transition to Major League Soccer with FC Cincinnati in 2019. During the 2019 season, he also had a loan spell with Nashville SC in the USL.
At the end of the 2019 season, Lasso joined the Tampa Bay Rowdies, a move that would solidify his legacy in the USL Championship. His time with the Rowdies was immensely successful, as he helped lead the team to back-to-back Eastern Conference Championships in 2020 and 2021. He was named the USL Championship Defender of the Year in both of those seasons, making him the only player to win the award three times. In 2021, he was also a key part of a record-breaking 891-minute shutout streak for the Rowdies.
Following his remarkable success with the Rowdies, Lasso sought a new challenge in Europe, signing with GIF Sundsvall in Sweden’s top-tier league, Allsvenskan, in January 2022. He returned to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2023. A torn ACL sidelined him for most of the 2024 season, but he made a resilient comeback. In October 2025, Forrest Lasso announced his decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2025 season, bringing to a close an 11-year professional career.
Forrest Lasso Personal Life & Family
Forrest Lasso’s personal life is deeply rooted in his faith and his family. He often speaks about his three foundational pillars: “Faith, Family, and Futbol.” This personal motto, often seen on a taped wristband he wears during matches, was inspired by a coach’s speech during his middle school years. He is married to his wife, Melody, and they have two sons. The importance of his family was a significant factor in his decision to retire from professional soccer. He has expressed immense gratitude for the time he has been able to spend with his young, growing family, especially during his recovery from injury. His parents and siblings have also been a source of support throughout his career.
Awards and Achievements of Forrest Lasso
- USL Championship Defender of the Year (2018, 2020, 2021)
- USL Championship All-League First Team (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
- USL Championship Players’ Shield with FC Cincinnati (2018)
- USL Championship Eastern Conference Champion with Tampa Bay Rowdies (2020, 2021)
- NSCAA Third Team All-America (2014)
- NSCAA First Team All-South (2014)
- SoCon First Team (2014)
- NSCAA All-South Region Third Team (2013)
- SoCon Second Team (2012, 2013)
- SoCon All-Freshman Team (2011)
- Wofford College Hall of Fame (Inducted 2020)
Forrest Lasso Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Forrest Lasso’s net worth and income is not publicly available. As a professional soccer player in the USL Championship and with a brief period in MLS and the Swedish Allsvenskan, his income would have been derived from his club contracts and any personal endorsements. The specific financial details of these agreements have not been disclosed.
Legacy and Influence
Forrest Lasso will be remembered as one of the most dominant defenders in the history of the USL Championship. His three Defender of the Year awards and five consecutive All-League First Team selections are a testament to his consistent excellence and impact on the field. He has been a leader and a cornerstone of the defense for every team he has played for, particularly during his highly successful stints with FC Cincinnati and the Tampa Bay Rowdies. His influence extends beyond his defensive statistics; he has been a respected figure in the locker room and a fan favorite for his commitment and passion. His journey from a college player to a decorated professional serves as an inspiration for aspiring soccer players in the United States.
Interesting Facts about Forrest Lasso
- He has a personal motto, “Faith, Family, Futbol,” which he displays on a taped wristband during games.
- Forrest’s father is a lawyer, and he considered pursuing a law degree himself.
- He played for the GPS Portland Phoenix in the Premier Development League during the summer of 2013.
- Lasso is the only player to have won the USL Championship Defender of the Year award three times.
- He was inducted into the Wofford College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020.
- During college, he suffered a significant leg injury from a chainsaw accident while working a summer landscaping job.
Controversies
In October 2022, while playing for GIF Sundsvall in Sweden, Lasso was reportedly suspended by the club after posting his individual highlight reel on the day the team was relegated. This action was perceived by some as self-promotional at an inappropriate time, though others defended it as a professional looking out for his future career prospects.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Forrest Lasso
Forrest Lasso’s career is a story of dedication, resilience, and remarkable success in American soccer. From his standout collegiate years at Wofford to becoming the most decorated defender in USL Championship history, he has consistently proven his quality and leadership. His decision to retire after the 2025 season marks the end of an era for a player who has left an indelible mark on the league. As he transitions to the next chapter of his life, his focus on his faith and family remains paramount. The legacy of Forrest Lasso will undoubtedly endure, not only through his numerous accolades but also through the standards of excellence he set for defenders in the United States.
