As the most popular sport in the Caribbean, Leslie "Tiger" Fitzpatrick began playing soccer at a young age. For the ambitious young Fitzpatrick, playing soccer professionally was the goal from the get go. "It is every kids dream to play for the national team," said Tiger. By age 15, he had seen that dream come true.
The RSL midfielder played for his National Team from the U-15 level through the U-23 and spent time as a member of the 2001 Olympic team. He earned high honors playing for Columbia University from 1997 through 2000. Not only does Fitzpatrick have an excellent athletic resume, but he has high achievements academically as well. Fitzpatrick graduated from Columbia University with a double major in Economics and Political Science.
As a member of the Second team All-Ivy, he ended the 1997 season as third-leading scorer with four goals and two assists. His Second team All-Ivy highlights include the game-winning goals over Seton Hall and Penn as well as added goals against Hartwick and Princeton. Fitzpatrick stepped up in the 1998 as the team's leading scorer with 14 points (including three game-winners and one game-winning assist) and an All-Ivy honorable mention. As a member of the All-region and Second team All-Ivy, Fitzpatrick led Columbia in assists in 1999, recording nine assists and came in fourth with 19 points. That same year, he also earned the title of Offensive MVP of the FIU Golden Panther Classic. Fitzpatrick finished his college soccer career in 2000 as a member of the First-team All-Ivy and First Team All-Northeast Region. With eight goals, seven assists, and 23 points, he was second best in the league. Leading the team in scoring that year, he finished his college career with 22 goals and 22 assists.
The Silverbacks picked Fitzpatrick up in 2004 as a defensive midfielder; he started 26 of 28 games. With the Silverbacks, he played 2,256 tallied 2 goals and one assist.
Nov. 24, 2004, Fitzpatrick made his debut with the Trinidad & Tobago senior team against Puerto Rico where he showed great energy and tackling ability. He scored his first international senior team goal in a Digicel Cup game against St. Vincent on January 9, 2005. Today, he remains a fixture on the national team.
Fitzpatrick joined RSL on April 15, 2005 for the team's inaugural season. He says playing for the team is the highlight of his career as he has always wanted to play at the MLS level. "RSL was the perfect fit for me," says Fitzpatrick.
Coach Ellinger's Call...
"Tiger is versatile and can play anywhere in midfield. He is very able to dribble the ball, has a good work rate, and has the ability to combine well with players. He is obviously someone who we know can be a starter but has played more coming off the bench for us. He has provided a spark and, the fact that he's played for Trinidad National Team, his experience for crucial moments in the game can come in handy."
Field Vision: Forward Clint Mathis says...
"Tiger brings a lot to this team because of his experience with the national team and all the world cup qualifiers that he was played. He has a solid left foot and he is able to take players on and get crosses into the box."
Things you need to know...
Nickname:
Tiger
Favorite athlete:
Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan
Hobbies:
Playing basketball and listening to music
Most memorable moments:
First full national team appearance, World Cup qualifier vs. USA, first RSL game, First national team goal
Greatest accomplishment:
Graduating from college, being a member of the Trinidad & Tobago national team
Favorite music:
Reggae, Soca
Favorite movie:
Gladiator
Favorite food:
Pelau, Roti
Favorite book:
The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
Favorite TV show:
24, The Sopranos
Major in college:
Economics and political science
Marital status:
Maggie