2024 Chicago Fire in Review: Ariel Lassiter

Injuries at left back were a problem throughout 2024 for the Chicago Fire, necessitating the mid-season acquisition of Ariel Lassiter from CF Montréal in August.

Chicago traded $75,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money (GAM) to Montreal for Lassiter, 30, after Andrew Gutman and Chase Gasper struggled to return from their respective injuries. However, the left winger didn’t have enough time to make a significant impact on the Fire’s squad.

Lassiter made only seven appearances (five starts) for the Fire after being traded while playing four times over two international windows for Costa Rica in CONCACAF Nations League A. His lone goal contribution for Chicago was when he assisted Jonathan Dean’s match-tying goal against Toronto on September 28.

The most memorable moment for Lassiter and the Chicago Fire in 2024 was when he was on the pitch for Montreal when Kellyn Acosta scored his wind-aided goal from beyond midfield at Soldier Field in March.

Lassiter’s time in Chicago appears to have been short-lived as the club announced that he wouldn’t be brought back in 2025 after the club’s massive overhaul of the front office. He remains an incredibly helpful player who shouldn’t have any issues finding a home in MLS, particularly after generating nine goal contributions in 2024.