Breaking News

Lassiter returns to Montréal, but Fire lose

Max Sánchez Josa

23 Sep 2024 — 3 min read

MLS: Chicago Fire FC at CF Montreal

Less than six weeks after being traded from CF Montréal to the Chicago Fire, Ariel Lassiter was back in Stade Saputo, Montréal, facing his former club.

Lassiter, who turns 30 this week, started the game, making it his third straight start since his arrival in Chicago, and played all 90 minutes in the Fire’s 2-0 road loss. There was a respectful and positive reception for the Costa Rican international, who had not been sure what to expect.

“It was a bit weird just because I made some good friendships in Montréal, so playing against them was a bit weird,” Lassiter said postgame. “Of course, once I cross the line, I want to win.”

"Unfortunately, we didn't get the result tonight. But it was nice to see some familiar faces.”

The two-goal defeat dealt a big blow to the Fire’s already slim playoff hopes. The oddsmakers say they have a less than 1% chance of even advancing to the wildcard, needing to win all of their remaining games while receiving considerable help from elsewhere.

The game started off slow, with both teams only mustering half-chances until Josef Martínez opened the scoring in the 21st minute for the hosts. Caden Clark doubled Montréal's advantage in the 74th minute, providing the dagger with a chipped finish over Chris Brady. A lack of chances, shots on target, and general threat in front of goal clearly took a toll on the Fire's ability to find a rhythm.

The Fire traded $75,000 for the wingback a little over a month ago in a bid to gain more depth on the left side to fill Xherdan Shaqiri's vacant roster spot amidst their desperate but long-shot playoff bid. Despite that fee, they acquired him on what was effectively a seven-game contract, as his current deal is set to expire at the end of the season; with his future beyond this year still to be determined, Lassiter clearly had a short-term task.

And while Clark's goal effectively ended the Fire's season there and then at Stade Saputo, Lassiter does not plan on letting that affect what he was brought to Chicago to do.

“For me, always, regardless of the situation, I want to give everything I have on the field,” Lassiter said. “I’ll do everything I possibly can to help the team be successful in every game that we have left, and then give everything for the club. The rest will take care of itself.”

Following a 2-1 win against the New York Red Bulls just over a week ago, the Fire put themselves in a reasonable position with five games left to play, but losses at Nashville and Montréal put the Men in Red practically beyond the brink of elimination.

Lassiter said that the atmosphere in the locker room and the mentality of the group has been affected as they prepare for the final three games of the year, starting with Toronto FC this Saturday at Bridgeview.

“It’s tough. I think you start to see a couple heads drop after the result and after the matches go by. But, regardless, I think there’s still a lot of fight within the team and, like myself, every one of them wants to perform every single time they step out on the pitch.”