The 2017 season was a roller coaster ride for the Charleston Battery. After finishing second in the USL Eastern Conference table — the team’s best finish since 2010 — the Battery was knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by New York Red Bulls II. The unheard of 4–0 home shutout was a gut punch.

Then came the offseason and that tweet no fan wants to see about one of their favorite players.

Forrest Lasso, who signed with the Battery in 2015 out of Wofford College, recorded 53 appearances with the Black and Yellow. His breakout season in 2017 earned him a spot on the 2017 All-USL First Team. That led FC Cincinnati to come calling as it looked to rebuild its back line after a lackluster performance in 2017.

When the USL published the 2018 schedule, Battery fans looked to see when FC Cincinnati showed up. As it turned out, we wouldn’t have to wait long.

This week, I talked to Lasso for Soccer ‘n’ Sweet Tea. His answers remind us all of why we loved him in Black and Yellow.

Hey Forrest, thanks for doing this. What are your thoughts and feelings returning to Charleston?

Lasso: I’m very excited to return to Charleston! Once the USL released the regular season schedule, I honestly just chuckled. Cincinnati and Charleston have faced off on the opener the past two years so of course it was only appropriate we met for a third time.

On another note, I was very fortunate to develop relationships with many of the players and staff within the Battery as well as fans and friends in the Lowcountry, so having to go back to the place that gave me my start in this league but also welcomed, loved, and supported me from Day 1 definitely adds some emotion to it all considering I’m on another side. However, at the end of the day, this is my job and I always have and will continue to approach it as such.

I will always be grateful to Charleston and the people in Charleston for giving me an opportunity, but once we board the plane for Charleston, it’s all business for me.

What advice do you want to give all the former youth club players you coached and younger players that you mentored?

Lasso: You can always get better — there is always room for improvement. My Pops told me this recently and it summarizes it all perfectly: “We can’t be perfect. We can only strive for perfection. Keep striving!”

In essence, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something. Anything that is worth it won’t be achieved easily. Adversity is the only true test of ones potential.

Set your goals high and challenge yourself everyday. Take everyday as an opportunity to get better. Work harder today than you did yesterday and continually push yourself for the only one that can keep you from achieving your dreams is yourself.

How have you settled into the team in Cincinnati? Has FCC embraced your DJ skills?

Lasso: Settled in very well. The staff did a remarkable job assimilating all the new guys to the club and community. Soccer wise, things have been great. Despite all the new faces in the locker room, I think it’s safe to say we all clicked right away. We all came here with similar mindsets and aspirations, which aided building our chemistry.

As for my DJ skills, they definitely got a little rusty during the offseason. With a whole new group of guys it takes time getting to know everyone’s desired genres. We have a lot of guys that have many quality tunes, and with being a new guy, I typically leave the locker room “DJing” duties to a returner — but I’ve had a few moments here and there.

What are the things that you miss about being in Charleston? And what’s different in Cincinnati?

Lasso: There are definitely many things I miss about Charleston, but I was very much looking forward to a new city and community to call home. I’d like to think I’m a man of simple taste, so you could put me almost anywhere and I’d be happy.

Cincinnati is definitely much more of a “city” compared to Charleston; however, from my experience thus far, Charleston still wins, or rather loses when it comes to traffic. Charleston has a lot of people all trying to go the same direction which makes driving during rush hour rather tough at times.

Weather wise, it’s hard to beat Charleston. I was obviously born and raised in the Carolinas so the heat is something I’m used to. Cincinnati gets hot during the summer, I remember that from playing here in the past, but it definitely took some time getting used to the cold. I don’t necessarily mind it, I honestly enjoy getting to experience all four seasons, but knowing what to wear and when to wear it definitely took time adjusting to.

Food-wise, Cincinnati is incredible! I was definitely spoiled coming from Charleston. I lived there for three years and still don’t think I visited everywhere I wanted to. But Cincinnati is very similar. There are hundreds of quality eateries all throughout the city and surrounding areas. I have a list of 100 or so places that I plan on visiting still.

Have you been able to keep up with some of your superstitions and traditions in Cincinnati or have you developed any new ones?

Lasso: I’ve definitely kept up with all of my superstitions. You can’t necessarily be superstitious if you change your routines or methods when faced with new elements. I’ve continued to prepare for training and games the same way I had been doing while in Charleston.

I will say that I’ve picked up a new game day ritual while here I’m Cincinnati. A few of the guys and I go to Sleepy Bee Cafe every game day morning for our breakfast. It’s a quaint brunch spot here in our neighborhood that caters right to my game day needs — healthy, quality, delicious.

Fans can follow Lasso as he continues his journey on his social media accounts and his blog, Faith, Family, Futbol.

The Battery open the 2018 season at home against Lasso and FC Cincinnati at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 17. Can the Battery hand FC Cincinnati a third-straight season opening loss, or can Lasso help them win in Charleston?

Tickets are still available online.

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