Lion Links: 10/21/25

Good morning, everyone. It was a mixed bag for Orlando’s soccer teams over the weekend, but as always, the world must go on. It’ll do so quickly too, because Orlando City travels northwest on Wednesday to play the Chicago Fire in the Eastern Conference play-in match, while the United States Women’s National Team has a friendly against Portugal on Thursday. We’ve got a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s get to the links.

Barbra Banda Up for CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football has nominated the Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year. This is Banda’s second year in a row being nominated for the award, which she won in 2024. Also nominated from the National Women’s Soccer League are Temwa Chawinga of the Kansas City Current, and Racheal Kundananji of Bay FC. This is also Chawinga’s second year being nominated, while it is the first for Kundananji. Congratulations to Banda, and best of luck!

Kerry Abello Up for Weekly Honors

Kerry Abello has been nominated for the NWSL Goal of the Week for her 38th-minute strike in the Pride’s 3-2 win over the Washington Spirit on Saturday. Abello latched onto a headed clearance at the edge of the 18-yard-box, took one step to settle the ball, and hit it on the half-volley into the side netting. It was a great strike that leveled the score at 1-1, and kept the Pride in the fight on the road. Make sure you go vote for her to win! Note: her own goal was not nominated.

Pride Players Called Up

A pair of additional Pride players have been called up for duty with their international teams during the October international window, following Emily Sams’ call-up to the USWNT and Zara Chavoshi’s Canada call-up. First up is Anna Moorhouse, who will join England for friendlies against Brazil and Australia.

Don’t forget about Grace Chanda, who has been called up to represent Zambia. Congrats to both players!

United States Leads Joint Bid for Women’s World Cup

The United States has announced a joint bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, alongside Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. FIFA confirmed earlier this year that a bid submitted by the United States was the only one eligible to be selected, and the joint bid is expected to be picked in April of next year. The 2031 tournament will also see the field expand to 48 teams for the first time in the history of the women’s game. If/when the bid is chosen, it will be the third time the U.S. has hosted a Women’s World Cup, while it will be the first time hosting the event for Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica.

Americans in Midweek Action

A number of Americans will be taking part in matches during the working week, with the UEFA Champions League coming back into focus. On Tuesday, Bayer Leverkusen has a tough task against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain (especially with Malik Tillman out due to injury), while Sergino Dest, Ricardo Pepi, and PSV Eindhoven take on Napoli. Wednesday has Weston McKennie and Juventus traveling to Real Madrid, while Tim Weah and Marseille hit the road to face Sporting Lisbon. Thursday sees Chris Richards and Crystal Palace host Larnaca in the Conference League, and things wrap up on Friday with Christian Pulisic and AC Milan playing newly promoted side Pisa in Serie A.

Free Kicks

• We now know the TV/streaming coverage details for the NWSL Decision Day matches, and you can watch the Pride on NWSL+ if you can’t make it to the stadium.

• The Pride rose a spot to third in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings.
• Orlando City will be hosting a watch party for Wednesday’s match.

• Jimmy Butler has become an investor in the San Diego Wave.

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!