It looks like Angel City is taking the rough with the smooth. While the preseason has seen them make significant strides—whether through fresh signings or moving into a new training and performance center—there have also been some unfortunate developments. The latest involves one of their star players, Vanessa Gilles, who appears unlikely to return to the NWSL side due to a ‘complicated‘ US-Canada political issue.

The Canadian center-back has been enjoying her loan spell at Olympique Lyon since 2022. However, her deal with the French giants is coming to an end in June. If the 28-year-old fails to get an extended stay, she might be forced to return to her parent club in the US. That, unfortunately, is a possibility that Gilles isn’t keen to believe.

“I don’t see myself going back to the United States with the current geopolitical situation. It’s a bit complicated to go back there as a Canadian,” commented Vanessa Gilles, via @LeProgresOL and as compiled by @clem_reporter on X. Notably, one doesn’t need to be reminded about the ongoing political dilemma between these two neighboring countries.

Keeping this in mind, Gilles has simply ruled out playing in the United States. In fact, she has vocally kept this request in front of the Lyon board, allegedly urging them to extend her stay in France. “We are in negotiations, I am waiting for a response from OL. I would like to stay but it is in their hands,” (translation: Google) added the CanWNT star.

Notably, tensions between the U.S. and Canada have risen since President Donald Trump announced tariffs of up to 25% on Canadian goods and suggested Canada become the “51st state.” — moves that drew sharp criticism from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

Although he later delayed them for 30 days after talks with Trudeau on border security, and energy exports were partially exempted, the move has still angered many Canadians. The frustration has even led some to limit travel to the U.S. or boycott it altogether. These geopolitical tensions just had to make their way into the sports as well.

The tensions made their way to the recently concluded 4 Nations Face-Off which saw US and Canada fans booing each other’s national anthem. That explains why the Angel City loanee isn’t keen to play in the American women’s domestic league.

Gilles won Canadian hearts when her goal against France during the Olympics kept the team from crashing out of the competition after they had been stripped of six points following a drone-spying controversy that involved HC Bev Priestman and two staff members. She also took Canada to the quarterfinal by scoring the team’s only goal against Columbia.

She signed with Angel City in the summer of 2022, at a time when the team was still in its expansion phase. However, after just seven games and scoring her first goal, Vanessa was loaned out to Lyon in September.

Since then, Gilles has made over 45 appearances, finding the net 11 times. In the ongoing European season, she has already featured in 15 matches, contributing five goals and an assist. The ongoing season in Europe has seen her make 15 apps including 5 goals and an assist. So it’s safe to say that the Canadian defender has made a significant contribution to the French giants.

And now, she is looking to maintain this moment for the years ahead. That is something that ultimately rests on Lyon. But either way, this is indeed quite a delicate situation for either party. It is also a huge blow for Angel City, who won’t be expecting their former star player anytime soon. This certainly would have been the last thing they hoped for, considering they were already facing another predicament!

Angel City’s coaching woes

Angel City sporting director Mark Parsons recently revealed that the club won’t be getting a new head coach at least until June. Having fired Becki Tweed back in December over a poor end to the 2024 campaign, the California-based club recently hired Sam Laity as the interim boss. But according to the latest admission from Parsons, Laity remains in charge until they can find the next boss.

“Our head coach process is getting to a point where it is getting clearer, but it’s still not clear when the head coach could be joining us at Angel City,” said Parsons while addressing the media last week. “The availability of the candidates that are left in the process are all available in June, and in the next few weeks, I hope to be able to give a more concrete update.”

Notably, Angel City is already gearing up for its 2025 NWSL opener against the San Diego Wave on March 16. Now it may seem that the uncertainty regarding their coach’s future puts them in a difficult position. However, expect Sam Liatey to do a good job, as he boasts over a decade-long experience. Rest assured, they only have to figure out how they move on from Vanessa Gilles, who isn’t keen to return anymore!