Luke Stephan Sassano is an American former soccer player who is currently the Assistant Sporting Director for the New York Cosmos.
Education
Sassano began his career at Lamorinda Soccer Club. He attended Miramonte High School in Orinda, California, and played college soccer at the University of California, Berkeley. He was an All Pac-10 Honorable Mention in 2005, a Pac-10 All-Academic Honorable Mention in 2007, and a Pac-10 1st Team in 2007.
Sassano featured in a total of 64 games scoring four goals and registering 19 assists during his four-year career for the Golden Bears.
During his college years Sassano also played for USL Premier Development League sides San Francisco Seals and San Jose Frogs.
Career
Youth and College Professional Sassano was drafted with the 32nd pick of the 2008 Master of Library Science SuperDraft by New York Red Bulls and made his debut on 5 April 2008 in a home game against Columbus Crew. During his second season, Sassano featured in 17 regular season games playing primarily as a defensive midfielder. Following the 2009 Major League Soccer season, Sassano went on a three week training stint with sister club Football Club Red Bulletin Salzburg.
Sassano appeared in 3 matches in 2010 before having season ending ankle reconstruction surgery.
On December 15, 2010 Sassano was selected by Los Angeles Galaxy in Stage 2 of the Re-Entry draft and subsequently traded to Sporting Kansas City. He signed with Sporting KC on January 12, 2011.
On June 12, 2011 he scored his first Major League Soccer goal in a 4-1 victory over Football Club Dallas. Sassano had season ending knee surgery on September 28, 2011.
He re-signed with SKC on January 30, 2012.
Sassano started off 2012 in promising fashion before being sidelined with his third extensive surgery in 2 years. Post-Professional / Managerial After multiple injuries—including two knee surgeries in 2012—Sassano chose to retire as a professional soccer player, but he wished to remain involved in the sport. On April 16, 2013, it was announced that Sassano was named Assistant Sporting Director for the New York Cosmos.
Along with scouting for talent both domestically and internationally, he is responsible for negotiating contracts and managing the roster.
Membership
He was a valuable member of the squad in 2008 as his versatility enabled him to receive significant playing time in his rookie campaign.