Lassiter Scores in Return to Costa Rica

On This Day in 1997, Despite Facing Pending Legal Issues, the Forward Scored in a World Cup Qualifying Defeat

Roy Lassiter's return to Costa Rica brought drama and controversy to "La Cueva del Monstruo"—the Monster's Cave. The Tampa Bay Mutiny striker, who had spent three successful years playing in the Central American nation from 1993-95, found himself at the center of a media storm before the crucial World Cup qualifier on March 23, 1997. Local newspapers reported that he owed $2,300 in credit card debt and faced possible detention under a judge's order.

The hostile reception peaked during the match at Saprissa Stadium, where the crowd of 22,000 targeted their former star with particular venom. Chants of "Lassiter ladrón!" ("Lassiter's a thief!") rained down from "La Ultra," the passionate supporters' section. However, the extraordinary security presence – including fatigue-clad police officers with automatic pistols and guard dogs – ensured the abuse remained verbal rather than physical.

Lassiter answered his critics in the second half, intercepting a pass and slotting home to level the score at 2-2. His celebration was pointed and defiant as he turned to face the crowd and cupped his hand to his ear. "I wanted to hear what noise they were gonna make then," Lassiter said after the match.

The goal proved insufficient for the Americans, as Costa Rica's Ronald Gomez scored the winner in the 76th minute to earn a 3-2 victory. The defeat ended U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller's impressive streak of 551 scoreless minutes in international play. Hernan Medford opened the scoring in the 11th minute, stopping the streak at 562 minutes.

For Lassiter, who had led Major League Soccer with 27 goals for Tampa Bay in 1996, the hostile homecoming marked a stark contrast to his time as a fan favorite in Costa Rica. "Soccer is their life here. I can understand it," he said of the reception, dismissing the debt allegations: "I sent money to my representative here. They're just trying to mess with my mind."

The incident highlighted Lassiter's growing international profile since leaving Costa Rica. Fresh off signing a new three-year contract with the Mutiny, he had spent the off-season playing in China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Italy while making 17 appearances and scoring four goals for the U.S. national team. "They don't threaten players who are mediocre," he reflected later. "If I'd have scored two goals, oh man, bring out the police escort."

The defeat left the United States with four points from their first three final round qualifiers, tied with Costa Rica and Mexico in the six-team group that would send three teams to the 1998 World Cup in France. For Lassiter, the return to Tampa Bay offered a welcome respite from international soccer's intense spotlight. "This is the only place I wanted to play," he said. "They showed they wanted me here, and that meant a lot."