Roy Lassiter is one of the best forwards to ever play in Major League Soccer, and his league-record 27 goals in 1996, which still stands today, helps to explain why. Lassiter joined the Tampa Bay Mutiny in 1996 after a two-year stint with the Costa Rican club LD Alajuelense, and his impact on league in its inaugural season was immediate.

He finished with 27 goals and 4 assists in 1996 – leading MLS in both goals and total points (58) – was crowned the MLS Scoring Champion, and was named to the MLS Best XI. Lassiter tallied 37 goals in his two years with the Mutiny before going on loan to Italian side Genoa.