Tobin Heath recovers from ankle surgery, Houston Dash see new coaches, and more with Morgan Brian
Tobin Heath undergoes ankle surgery
Midfielder Tobin Heath of the Portland Thorns and the 2016 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year had surgery this past Thursday for a minor ankle surgery in Los Angeles.
If it weren’t for this injury, Heath would be able to join the rest of the U.S. Women's National Team for training. This surgery was definitely necessary as it was a “clean-up procedure."
Heath told U.S. Soccer:
“It’s been bothering me for a while now and we tried to rehab, but I wasn’t progressing so it was time to address it surgically. I want to make sure it’s not a hindrance moving forward so I can get back on the field and have great preparation for a big year ahead.”
This past season Heath also suffered from a back injury and an ankle injury during the NWSL Championship. Due to her ankle injury, she wasn’t able to participate with the USWNT for their end of the year friendlies. Heath will be out for an estimated 8-12 weeks before she is able to return to the pitch.
Lisa Cole signs as NWSL Houston Dash assistant coach
In 2012, Lisa Cole served as the head coach for the Boston Breakers. Cole was the assistant coach in 2009 to USWNT former head coach Tony DiCicco for three years for the Breakers of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). Cole has made a huge impact in Women’s soccer. When she was in charge for two years with the Breakers, she led the team to accomplish a 17-10-5 record.
"I am thrilled to join Vera in Houston. It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. To be able to work with a coach at her level is very exciting. I am also looking forward to being back in the league and on the field with professionals every day in an organization that is committed to growing the game.”
In addition to coaching the Breakers, Cole goes deeper in her coaching experience as she has coached at several University levels and coached the Papua New Guinea’s U-20 women’s national team. During this time Pauw was the head of the FIFA technical study group during the U-20 Women’s World Cup, which was also hosted in Papua New Guinea and is a common ground that they share.
Midfielder Morgan Brian to Lyon
Last Wednesday, USWNT midfielder Morgan Brian announced her decision to play for Olympique Lyon in France. The 24-year old will join the team with her fellow USWNT player Alex Morgan, who was recruited around December of 2016. Midfielder Amandine Henry of the Portland Thorns was also signed with Brian as the team’s latest additions to Lyon.
Brian was traded from the Houston Dash to the Chicago Red Stars this past August. In the 2015 NWSL College Draft, Houston had the privilege of choosing Brian to be the number one overall pick and has played two games for the Red Stars so far. Chicago head coach Rory Dames shared:
“We knew when we traded for Morgan that she had a strong desire to go overseas and play for Lyon. We wish her the best of luck with Lyon, and will always welcome her back as we retain her rights. Our goal stays the same ahead of the 2018 season and we look forward to moving forward in a positive direction.”
The Red Stars will continue to have rights to Brian even though she has a contract with Lyon until June 30th, 2020. The best is yet to come for those in the NWSL participating overseas!
