Lyon announced Morgan Brian as the club’s newest signing on Monday, the same day they introduced Amandine Henry. Brian spent much of 2017 battling injury and was used only sparingly after being traded to the Chicago Red Stars at the roster freeze deadline. Lyon says the contract is for two-and-a-half years running through June 30, 2020.
Brian was the No. 1 overall pick by the Houston Dash out of Virginia in 2015. She was instrumental in the team’s rise from the cellar to mid table that year but her injury woes began in 2016 and the Dash failed to reach serious playoff contention either of the last two seasons. She was eventually traded to the Red Stars for Kristie Mewis. That trade included conditional future considerations which, according to Corey Roepken of the Houston Chronicle, would have meant an additional player heading to Houston had Brian remained on the Red Stars roster in 2018. Brian’s departure to Lyon means that trade is now complete. The Red Stars will retain Brian’s NWSL rights indefinitely.
Lyon are the most decorated club in the world. They ended 2017 a perfect 12-0-0 in league play putting themselves well on course to win the title in France for the 12th consecutive season. Lyon are also in the French Cup and UEFA Women’s Champions League and can win the treble for the third consecutive season.
The club also introduced Henry, who announced her intention to return to Lyon just prior to the NWSL Championship which she and the Thorns won in October.