After recording two wins this weekend at the Duke Nike Classic and compiling a 3-0 record overall, N.C. State’s men’s soccer team has cracked the top-25 in three national polls this week. The team has landed at No. 18, No. 19 and No. 22 in various national polls.
Junior defender Tyler Lassiter was named MVP of the Duke Classic and Soccer America’s team of the week after scoring a pair of goals, one in the first half and one in the second, to lead the Pack to a 4-0 win over Denver Friday night. In addition, he has centered a defense that has given up one goal in 270 minutes so far this season.
Pack starting goalkeeper Chris Widman said he is used to having Lassiter help him out on the back end, but he was not surprised to see him break through for two goals Friday.
“He’s the center of our defense. He cleans up everybody’s mistakes, including mine,” Widman said. “He’s not only a great defender, but he’s really good on the ball.”
The goals weren’t that unusual – though he doubled his career offensive output in one night, coaches and teammates agree Lassiter is one of the better ball handlers on the team. It is the recognition he is receiving that caught the junior in sports management off guard.
“He worked extremely hard over the summer and he’s committed to work,” coach George Tarantini said. “He loves the game, I see his growth and I’m very happy he was recognized.”
Lassiter said his role on the team has always been of the behind-the-scenes variety.
“I try to keep the team organized, to keep everyone in the game, try to talk to them,” Lassiter said. “When they make bad touches, I try and give them a boost to keep it up.”
And if he scores a few goals in the meantime, Lassiter said that’s fine with him.
“Whatever I can do to protect the shutout,” he said.
Instead of acting as an unsung hero, Widman said Lassiter was a visable force in the Denver game.
“He is one of the biggest reasons we had a shutout,” Widman said. “He was recognized this weekend and I expect he will continue to be.”
For his first goal on the night, Lasstier said he was in the right place at the right time. For his second, he had a little extra motivation.
“For the second one I was a little aggravated because I had just gotten a yellow card even though I had just got completely smashed [by an opposing player,]” Lassier said. “I was really pumped up so I ran to the post and the ball came in perfectly again.”
The Wake Forest native said he committed early to N.C. State and always wanted to play soccer at the school. Over three years, he’s seen his share of tough times and disappointing finishes.
“Over the past two years, everyone’s been trying to do their own thing,” Lassiter said. “Now everyone’s coming together and kind of saying that they’re tired of losing. We’re ready to have a winning season.”
Lassiter said he sees something special about this year’s squad.
“We can do it. We’re great this year – I really feel it. 18-0,” he offered. “We’ve got all eleven starters back. We have the same team out on the field that’s normally there, but now we have a bench that can support us. Now we have to work harder to keep our spots.”
Tarantini said Lassiter continually strives to improve his game in practice, but even for a guy who cleans up in front of the net, he has great footwork.
“He’s really talented,” Tarantini said. “He gives us a balance. He’s a guy who can control the tempo.”
