CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati added another big piece to its back line on Monday with the signing of former Charleston Battery center back Forrest Lasso. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

The 6-foot-5 center back earned 2017 USL All-League First Team honors in October as he helped the Battery claim a second-place finish in the USL Eastern Conference during the regular season. Lasso’s six goals were the second-most by a defender in the USL this past regular season, and 24-year-old also won 62 of 90 aerial duels and made 153 clearances defensively in the USL regular season and playoffs across 27 appearances for the Battery.

“Forrest is a proven entity in the USL, and we are excited to continue working with him on his development,” FCC Head Coach Alan Koch said. “He has a major physical presence and for a big man has very good technical skills. He is a supreme danger on set pieces. I am excited to welcome him to the club and work with him here in Cincinnati.” 

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Lasso joined the Battery prior to the 2015 season after featuring collegiately at Wofford College, where he claimed NSCAA All-American honors. This year saw Lasso break out to earn the Battery’s Defensive Player of the Year award, as he almost doubled his appearances from his first two seasons with the club.

Overall, Lasso made 59 appearances for the Battery in the league, helping the club reach the USL Cup Playoffs in all three seasons.