Morgan Brian returns to Chicago once again
It has been announced by the NWSL that Morgan Brian has signed a contract to play with the Chicago Red Stars for the remainder of the 2018 season.
This past August, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NWSL College Draft, was traded from the Houston Dash to Chicago in exchange for midfielder Kristie Mewis.
In total, the U.S. midfielder had recorded two games with the Red Stars and then departed to France for partial recovery and playing time. Overall in her NWSL career, the Georgia native has made 35 appearances with three assists.
Within the past year, Brian has suffered from several injuries that have become major setbacks, leaving her on the bench.
While the USWNT held their annual January training camp, Brian didn’t attend. Instead of training with the U.S. she stayed in France to work on improving her overall health and fitness.
Brian also hasn’t been present in the NWSL this season as she has been in France playing for the Olympique Lyonnais where she has made four caps and has scored one goal.
Her contract with the Lyonnais’ was originally a two-year commitment that would expire in 2020. There were several reports noted that Brian had ended the contract to come back to the NWSL.
With Chicago currently standing in sixth place with a 3-3-7 record, they need as much help as possible to remain on top for any chance of NWSL playoffs.
In the player trades that were announced yesterday, Chicago lost defender Sam Johnson, Sofia Huerta, and Taylor Comeau, and the rights to Christen Press for defender Brooke Elby. Brian’s return will involve this new mix of players, which leaves head coach Rory Dames with a lot of work to catch up on.
The next match for the Red Stars will take place at home on Saturday, June 23 against the Utah Royals FC at 8:00 p.m. ET.
