This time last year, Forrest Lasso was an unused substitute in a 4-0 win against the Richmond Kickers and a 3-3 draw at Toronto FC II. Why that matters isn’t because Lasso was a sub – that was a rarity for the 2018 USL Defender of the Year.
What’s noticeable, however, is who he was playing against then, and who he could face this weekend.
The LA Galaxy arrive at Nippert Stadium on Saturday night to play the Orange and Blue before a sold-out crowd. The Galaxy visiting means MLS’ biggest name, Zlatan Ibrahimović, will be in Cincinnati, too.
Known simply as Zlatan, the Swedish forward refers to himself in third person and boasts about his quality. Some might find it annoying, but a decent amount of it is factual.
At 37 years old, he’s played for some of the biggest clubs in the world. This season, he’s got 11 goals in 12 games.
So, Zlatan is a handful, and if he plays, it’s Lasso’s job to keep him quiet.
“Obviously, he’s a special player, but I think it’s just another game and like going against anyone else in the league,” Lasso said. “Defensively as a unit and collectively as a team, we need to be aware of everybody on the pitch. He’s obviously special, but no one man can win a game.”
The center back facing a world-class striker is another reminder of FC Cincinnati’s leap from USL to MLS.
Lasso was voted the best defender in USL. Now, he’s about to face a forward who was a candidate to win the FIFA Ballon d’Or – the prize for the world’s best player.
“The forwards at the top level get paid the big bucks,” the center back said. “It’s their job to score, and they’re damn good at it. As a young defender climbing up the ladder, it’s going to be a challenge for sure, but this is why we play and why we’re here. I’m looking forward to the battle.”
