CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (June 19, 2018) — Morgan Brian is done overseas.
The U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder has ended her loan contract with Olympique Lyonnais Féminin. The original deal with Lyon was expected to run until June 30, 2020. However, due to injuries and lack of time on the pitch, Brian is heading back to the NWSL.
Toward the end of May, The Equalizer first reported that Brian would return to the Chicago Red Stars. However, the move was confirmed by the club on Tuesday.
Morgan Brian has ✍️ a contract in Chicago.
Details: https://t.co/C4mLNFcTUO pic.twitter.com/dQr0ZcWjcG
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 19, 2018
Morgan Brian Signs With Chicago Red Stars
“I’m looking forward to making a playoff push with this team,” Brian said. “The NWSL is the most competitive league in the world and I am happy to be back competing in it.”
Brian had made only three appearances in France, scoring two goals. Lyon won the Women’s Champions League final against VFL Wolfsburg, but Brian did not contribute during the match.
However, Brian started her NWSL career down south with the Houston Dash. The club drafted Brian, who featured at the collegiate level for the University of Virginia, with the number one overall pick in the 2015 NWSL College Draft.
Brian quickly became a household name in Houston, partnering up with Carli Lloyd and Brittany Bock in the midfield. She was named to the U.S. Women’s National Team roster for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Brian was the youngest player on that roster, at the age of 22. To this day, Brian has accumulated 75 appearances with the senior national team.
Brian’s time in Houston ended in 2017. Toward the end of the season, Brian was traded to the Chicago Red Stars in exchange for midfielder Kristie Mewis. However, Brian only made two appearances.
Then, in January, she joined Lyon.
According to the Red Stars, Brian’s deal is for the rest of the 2018 season. She will be available for selection when the Red Stars host the Utah Royals FC — whom they were just involved with through a massive three-team trade, which also included the Dash — on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
I am so excited to be back in the @NWSL playing for the @chiredstarsPR ! Everyone has been so welcoming and I can’t wait to make a playoff push with this team 🎉💪🏼🔴⭐️#MKOT
— Morgan Brian Gautrat (@moeebrian) June 20, 2018
