FC Cincinnati loaned Forrest Lasso to Nashville SC of the USL Championship on Thursday morning, which is the club’s second move of the summer transfer window.
The first was signing center back Maikel van der Werff from Vitesse (Eredivisie) on July 2. On Tuesday, FCC Interim Head Coach Yoann Damet said van der Werff could play Saturday night at Toronto FC.
So, with that as context, here’s a breakdown on the loan move and why it’s best for both player and club:
For FC Cincinnati
Lasso’s departure aligns with van der Werff’s arrival, meaning it’s theoretically a straight swap on the roster in terms of the depth chart.
Lasso’s role with the Orange and Blue was a rotational one: he made five appearances, four starts and played 393 MLS minutes. Because the club added van der Werff with the intention of the Dutchman becoming a weekly starter, that would’ve meant fewer minutes and opportunities for Lasso with Cincinnati.
One thing to note with the two center backs is this: when Lasso was the 2018 USL Defender of the Year, he also led that league in clearances. That shows a sign of immense quality, but also a focus on playing in a direct playing style under another head coach. Van der Werff arrives having played a possession-based style his entire career.
Since Damet took over arrived and implemented a possession-dominant style, Lasso made two MLS appearances, including a start on June 6 at New York City FC.
Lasso is very much a good, young promising center back, but an opportunity at another club could help him and grow and see more minutes.
For the player
After proving he had the quality to earn an MLS contract, Lasso should thrive in the USL Championship.
Arriving in Nashville with MLS experience instantly makes him one of the club’s most-coveted assets. For a side that’s fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, the center back’s arrival could guide the team up the table.
Nashville is 11 points behind league-leading Tampa Bay Rowdies, who have 43 points and only one loss in 20 league matches.
Perhaps Lasso can change his new club’s form and offer a playoff push.
Oh, and it’s also important to note Nashville SC will be in MLS next season, meaning Lasso can be recalled from his loan back to FC Cincinnati, potentially join Nashville in MLS or pursue another opportunity in 2020.
No other club in the USL Championship that can offer that incentive, which is why the 2018 USL Defender of the Year going to play there makes perfect sense.
