A. Lassiter, Portland Timbers, Midfielder, #7: Career & Impact
When you watch the Portland Timbers this season, Ariel Lassiter stands out in midfield, rocking the number 7 shirt. He’s a veteran with over a decade of MLS experience, and he brings real pace, versatility, and international pedigree to Portland’s attack.
Portland signed Lassiter as a free agent in late 2024, locking him in through 2026 with a club option for 2027. That gives the squad some much-needed stability and depth in a key spot.
He stretches the field, whether he’s out wide as a winger or dropping deeper to link up play. Lassiter scored his first goals for Portland in the 2025 Leagues Cup, including a sharp finish against Club América. He’s shown he can deliver when the pressure’s on.
He’s bounced around MLS—LA Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, Inter Miami, CF Montréal, Chicago Fire—each stop shaping him into a reliable option for any system.
Before turning pro, Lassiter played college soccer at Cal Poly, where his speed and finishing put him on scouts’ radars. That background, plus his international experience with Costa Rica, makes him more than just a squad player.
You get a midfielder who’s grown into a steady contributor, someone who can influence both league play and tournaments. For Portland, that’s exactly the kind of presence you want when chasing consistency.
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A. Lassiter’s Role at Portland Timbers
Ariel Lassiter isn’t just another name on the roster. His pace, versatility, and international experience give Portland a dependable option in wide areas.
He’s been around MLS long enough to know what’s expected. His arrival adds depth to an attack that already features Evander, Jonathan Rodríguez, Felipe Mora, and Santiago Moreno.
Position and Playing Style
Lassiter usually lines up as a winger, but he’s adaptable and can move across the front line when called upon. His game is direct—he uses speed and ball control to stretch backlines and open up space.
He loves running at defenders, making them uncomfortable. That’s something you can’t really teach.
At Portland, he fits nicely with creative players like Evander, who works centrally, and Rodríguez, who drifts inside. Lassiter’s tendency to stay wide and whip in crosses gives Mora and Moreno more chances in the box.
He doesn’t score a ton, but he helps the attack through smart movement and consistent service. His stints with LA Galaxy, Inter Miami, and CF Montréal show he’s comfortable in both possession-heavy and transition-based systems. For a coach like Phil Neville, that flexibility is gold.
Key Strengths
- Fast acceleration out wide
- Accurate crosses
- High work rate in pressing
- Plays both wings
Squad Number and Significance
Lassiter wears the #7 shirt, a number that’s almost always tied to attacking wingers. For the Timbers, that jersey means you’re expected to create and produce in the final third.
You can see why the club gave him that number after signing him in December 2024. It fits him—a wide player who’s supposed to stretch defenses and get the ball into the box.
With Evander as the creative spark and Rodríguez as the main scorer, Lassiter’s number signals his role as the link between buildup and finishing.
Handing him #7 also shows trust from Ned Grabavoy and the front office. They expect him to be more than just a backup during the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Integration into the Team
You can track Lassiter’s integration by watching his early games and how he clicks with teammates. He debuted in the 2025 home opener against Vancouver and made an immediate impact in the Leagues Cup, scoring against Club América and Atlético de San Luis.
That early production helped him earn trust right away.
Playing with Evander and Moreno, Lassiter benefits from their creativity. Mora and Rodríguez thrive on his service from wide areas.
He’s also willing to press and defend, which fits Neville’s system. The coach wants wingers who’ll do the dirty work, not just attack.
Here’s a quick look at his early numbers with Portland:
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS 2025 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 340 |
| Leagues Cup | 3 | 2 | 0 | 210 |
Coming from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Lassiter has always leaned on discipline and adaptability. Now those habits help him settle in with the Timbers, who expect him to be a steady contributor through 2025 and 2026.
Professional Journey Across MLS
If you’ve followed Ariel Lassiter’s career, you know he’s played for several MLS clubs and built a solid reputation as a winger. He started out in Los Angeles, then moved on to Houston, Miami, Montréal, and had a short but busy run in Chicago before landing in Portland.
LA Galaxy Years
You first saw Lassiter break into MLS with LA Galaxy in 2015 after his standout college days at Cal Poly. He split his time between the first team and LA Galaxy II, sharpening his speed and timing up front.
With the Galaxy, he got minutes in league and U.S. Open Cup matches. His chances were limited, but he always managed to stretch defenses with his pace.
From 2015 to 2018, he played regular season matches and racked up numbers in the USL. That gave him a chance to develop without the pressure of being a full-time starter.
LA Galaxy Stats (2015-2018)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS Regular Season | 25 | 3 | 0 |
| USL (Galaxy II) | 75 | 30 | 15 |
He left LA looking for more consistent MLS minutes, which led him to Texas.
Houston Dynamo and Houston Dynamo FC
Lassiter joined the Houston Dynamo in 2020, just as the club rebranded to Houston Dynamo FC. Right away, he got a bigger role than he had in LA.
He played out wide, using his speed to stretch the field and serve balls in. More starts meant more chances to prove himself against tough competition.
His time in Houston was steady, maybe not flashy, but it showed he could contribute in a system that needed balance on the wings.
In two seasons, he made over 30 appearances across competitions. You saw flashes of creativity, especially on the break, where his direct runs opened up space.
His Houston spell didn’t bring big goal numbers, but it raised his profile enough for another move.
Inter Miami CF and CF Montréal
By 2022, Lassiter signed with Inter Miami CF, a club still figuring itself out. He carved out a regular role as a winger, bringing energy on both sides of the ball.
He stuck with Miami through 2023, then moved mid-season to CF Montréal. That switch gave him a fresh start and led to his most productive MLS year.
In 2024, splitting time between Montréal and Chicago, he put up three goals and seven assists in 27 appearances. His Montréal run stood out—he became a trusted starter in the attack.
2024 Production (Montréal + Chicago)
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| CF Montréal | 20 | 2 | 6 |
| Chicago Fire FC | 7 | 1 | 1 |
That kind of output shows what he can do when he’s getting regular minutes.
Chicago Fire FC Experience
Lassiter joined Chicago Fire FC late in 2024. He adapted quickly, grabbing a goal and an assist in just seven matches.
Even though his stay was brief, he gave Chicago an experienced winger who could jump right in. His ability to contribute straight away made him valuable during their playoff push.
The Fire used him out wide, where he linked up with overlapping fullbacks and pressed high when out of possession. His versatility and work rate fit what the team needed.
By the end of 2024, he entered free agency, then signed with the Portland Timbers as a free agent winger. That set up the next chapter in his MLS journey after a decade of steady work around the league.
Key Performances and Achievements
You really see Lassiter’s value in those moments where he pops up with a goal, an assist, or a big play in a high-pressure match. His first year with Portland in 2025 already features key contributions in league games, international tournaments, and rivalry clashes with Vancouver.
Notable Goals and Assists
Lassiter scored his first Portland goal in the 2025 Leagues Cup against Atlético de San Luis, capping a 4-0 win. Before that, he found the net against Club América, giving him two goals in international competition for the Timbers.
He’s also chipped in with quality service from the wing. With Montréal and Chicago in 2024, he tallied seven assists, and you’ve seen flashes of that same creativity in Portland. His ability to stretch defenses makes him a reliable attacking option.
Club Career Totals (MLS Regular Season)
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Montréal/Chicago | 27 | 3 | 7 |
| 2025 | Portland Timbers | Ongoing | 2* | — |
*Includes Leagues Cup goals.
Memorable Matches
You remember his Timbers debut on February 23, 2025, against Vancouver Whitecaps. Starting the home opener, Lassiter showed off his pace and work rate, giving Portland width and energy. That game set the tone for his role as a consistent contributor.
Another big moment came in the Leagues Cup win over San Luis. Four goals on four shots summed up Portland’s efficiency, and Lassiter’s strike put the exclamation point on it. For a new signing, those moments go a long way in earning trust.
Internationally, his 2021 Gold Cup goal against Guadeloupe still stands out. It proved he could deliver in tournament settings, something Portland has leaned on this season.
Leagues Cup and Playoff Highlights
The 2025 Leagues Cup really showed Lassiter’s knack for showing up in big games. He scored against Club América and San Luis, establishing himself as a go-to guy in knockout matches. Not many new signings hit the ground running like that.
With 11 MLS seasons under his belt and 149 league appearances, he brings valuable experience when playoff time rolls around. Portland’s aiming for a deep run in 2025 and more stability through 2026, so Lassiter’s role will matter.
His 32 international caps for Costa Rica add another layer of composure. You can bet he’ll keep bridging club and country success in the next couple of years.
For more on his journey and current role, check out his Portland Timbers player profile and MLS player page.
International Career with Costa Rica
Ariel Lassiter has carved out a steady spot with Costa Rica’s national team, juggling club commitments and regular international call-ups. You notice his value most in how he adapts across competitions, from qualifiers to big tournaments, all while bringing experience from youth levels with both Costa Rica and the United States.
Senior Team Contributions
Lassiter first broke into the senior squad on March 23, 2019, against Guatemala. Since then, he’s picked up over 30 caps for Los Ticos, adding depth on the wing and chipping in with the occasional goal.
He scored his first international goal at the 2021 Gold Cup in a group-stage match against Guadeloupe. That moment felt like a real breakthrough.
He isn’t a prolific scorer, but his versatility really stands out. Coaches have trusted him to start or come off the bench, often relying on his pace to stretch defenses.
In 2024, he made 11 appearances, including five full 90-minute games in competitive fixtures.
International Senior Stats
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Caps | 32 |
| Starts | 17 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
These numbers might not grab headlines, but they show you a player who delivers reliable minutes in multiple competitions.
Major Tournaments and Qualifiers
Lassiter has played in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, the Nations League, and the Copa América. In 2024, he showed up in all three, proving Costa Rica still counts on him for their 2026 World Cup push.
During qualifiers in June 2024, he played extended minutes and often finished matches. Later, he featured in Nations League games against Panama and others, as Costa Rica experimented with different lineups before tournament play.
He suited up for Copa América, where the competition level jumped against South American teams. Even when he didn’t start, his spot in the squad showed the staff’s trust in his experience and adaptability.
Costa Rica, mixing veterans and younger players, has found in Lassiter a steady contributor for big matches.
Youth National Team Experience
Before joining the senior team, Lassiter picked up valuable experience at the U-23 level. He spent time with both the United States and Costa Rica youth setups, which gave him a unique view on international development.
That dual background shaped his playing style. With Costa Rica’s U-23s, he focused on direct play and wing responsibilities. The U.S. system taught him more about possession and spacing.
This mix helped him transition smoothly to senior football. By 2019, when he earned his first senior cap, he’d already logged years of international training.
Managers keep relying on him in tough fixtures, and honestly, that youth experience probably explains a lot of it.
Lassiter’s path really shows how youth international experience can prepare you for the senior stage. His ability to adapt has been a running theme.
Background and Early Career
You can trace Ariel Lassiter’s journey from Costa Rica to the United States, then into pro soccer in Europe and MLS. Honestly, his story is a mix of family influence, international experience, and steady development—now you see him with the Portland Timbers.
Origin and Early Life
Ariel Daniel Lassiter Acuña was born on September 27, 1994, in Turrialba, Costa Rica. His dad, Roy Lassiter, played professionally and moved the family to the U.S. after signing with Tampa Bay Mutiny.
That move gave Lassiter dual cultural roots and a window into two soccer worlds.
He grew up in Temecula, California, and went to Great Oak High School. He showed leadership early, captaining the school team for two years.
He earned recognition as a two-time Inland Empire High School Player of the Year, which says a lot about his impact at a young age.
He played college soccer at Cal Poly. In just one season with the Mustangs, he scored five goals and added four assists over 21 games.
That performance earned him a spot on the Big West Conference All-Freshman Team. Not bad for a freshman, right? He left school after that to chase a pro career abroad.
Professional Debut Abroad
In July 2014, Lassiter signed with GAIS in Sweden’s Superettan. He jumped into a new environment fast, debuting in August and scoring his first pro goal within weeks.
He finished his first season with 12 appearances and one goal—a modest start, but still important.
Leaving college early and testing himself in Europe showed he was willing to take risks. For a young forward, those matches in Sweden gave him valuable minutes against seasoned pros.
That early exposure helped him adjust to different styles of play.
His stint with GAIS lasted just one season. By January 2015, he joined LA Galaxy II, where he started building a rep as a reliable scorer in the USL and picked up a few call-ups to the Galaxy first team.
Development as a Player
With LA Galaxy II, Lassiter finally found some consistency. He scored 30 goals in 58 appearances—a strike rate that built his confidence and kept him in the running for first-team chances.
He also made 25 appearances for the Galaxy senior side, scoring his first MLS goal in 2017.
LA Galaxy II Statistics
| Years | Matches | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2015–2018 | 58 | 30 |
His development didn’t follow a straight line. He dealt with injuries and limited first-team minutes, but his USL time helped him grow steadily.
He also gained valuable experience in the U.S. Open Cup, scoring multiple goals for the Galaxy.
By the time he left LA in 2018, Lassiter had built a foundation of versatility. He could play as a winger or forward, stretch defenses with his pace, and contribute in different competitions.
That adaptability paved the way for his success in Costa Rica with Alajuelense and then his return to MLS with Houston Dynamo and beyond.
Impact on the Timbers’ Future
Ariel Lassiter brings veteran experience, international pedigree, and positional flexibility to Portland. His arrival gives the Timbers another proven attacking option, joining a roster built around Evander, Jonathan Rodríguez, Felipe Mora, and Santiago Moreno.
With Phil Neville and Ned Grabavoy shaping the squad, Lassiter’s role could influence both short-term results and long-term roster moves.
Expectations for Upcoming Seasons
You can expect Lassiter to be a steady contributor through the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with a club option for 2027. At 30, he offers durability and consistency more than breakout potential.
Neville values his pace and willingness to press, which should help Portland keep balance when rotating attackers.
The Timbers scored 64 goals in 2024, led by Rodríguez and Evander. Adding Lassiter means another wide player who can stretch defenses and create space for central attackers.
He can also fill in as a wingback, giving the team tactical flexibility—a big deal in a league where depth often decides playoff runs.
Here’s a quick look at Lassiter’s recent MLS production:
| Season | Club(s) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Montréal, Chicago | 27 | 3 | 7 |
| Career MLS | Multiple | 149 | 12 | 15 |
His scoring record is modest, but his assist numbers show he’s comfortable setting up others. You should expect him to complement—not replace—the main scorers.
Influence on Team Dynamics
Lassiter’s impact goes beyond just the field. Neville has worked with him before and praised his attitude, hinting he’ll help strengthen the locker room culture.
For a club dealing with the uncertain future of Evander, steady personalities like Lassiter help keep things focused.
On the field, his presence lets you rotate Moreno or Rodríguez without losing much quality. That depth could be crucial during a busy 2025 season.
His speed fits Portland’s counterattacking style, giving Neville more options to tweak game plans.
You’ll also see his versatility affect roster construction. With Lassiter able to play wing or wingback, Grabavoy can focus resources on defensive upgrades—an area Portland really needs to address.
That balance could make the Timbers a more complete team by 2026.
Potential Legacy at Portland
Lassiter’s legacy probably won’t come down to flashy stats. Instead, people will look at how he fills gaps and helps extend the careers of those around him.
If he keeps Rodríguez and Mora fresh, or steps in when Moreno moves to the middle, fans will see his value right away.
You might not call him the face of the franchise, but his steady presence could keep Portland grounded while the club goes through changes.
By 2026, the team has to decide if they’ll keep him around for another year. If he keeps producing, he might go down as the guy who helped the Timbers stay competitive while they figured things out.
His time with Costa Rica’s national team brings some real weight to a roster that’s already packed with veterans. That experience—plus his long MLS journey—makes him a natural mentor for the younger guys.
If he stays consistent, Lassiter could leave Portland with a reputation as the pro who lifted the whole group, both in how they played and how they thought.
