When Morgan Brian made her way back into the NWSL fold more than halfway through the 2018 regular season, it was natural to focus more on what she cost the Chicago Red Stars by her presence rather than what she was going to potentially add.
After a brilliant run of form in 2015 that orchestrated the U.S. Women’s National Team’s World Cup win, Brian has dealt with years of lingering injury and un-remarkable club experiences affecting her value as a full-season player. Her recent form caused her to struggle to crack into the lineup for perennial French league leaders Olympique Lyon, likely triggering her return to the U.