In not-so-surprising, but still incredibly bittersweet news, Angel City FC announced today that the loan for defender Vanessa Gilles, has been extended through June 2024. Gilles had a huge impact in her time with Angel City FC, scoring the first-ever goal in regular season history, which was also the first-ever goal scored at home. The Canadian International has enjoyed a great loan with Lyon thus far, which is evident by the fact they want to keep her around for another season.
Elle sera là la saison prochaine 😉#Gilles2024 🍁 pic.twitter.com/J33lU6v36x
— OL Féminin (@OLfeminin) May 20, 2023
Anyone following Gilles since her departure will have told you this was coming. In fairness, many, myself included, thought the next announcement would be Lyon making her loan permanent, so the fact it just an extension of the current loan, is interesting. Since joining Lyon in September 2022, Gilles has 11 starts, with three goals and three assists. She was also part of the Champions League winning squad from last season, securing Lyon’s eighth title of the competition.
While chances of Gilles returning to Los Angeles any time soon are incredibly slim, the fact this announcement isn’t a permanent deal gives the slightest bit of hope that she could rejoin Angel City FC. However, given how much she talks about loving her time with Lyon, and enjoying European football, it’s hard to see her coming back in the near future. Either way, we are truly proud of Vanessa, and wish her nothing but the best in her time with Lyon, however long that may be.
How are you feeling about the news? Leave a comment below!