Orlando Pride, Grace Chanda Mutually Part Ways

The Orlando Pride announced today that the club and midfielder Grace Chanda have mutually agreed to part ways. The news comes just over six months after the club and the Zambian international made the mutual decision to exercise the 2026 option year on her contract. That seemed like an odd decision at the time, given her lack of playing time, but her time in the City Beautiful has now come to an end.

The move allowed Chanda to sign with FC Gallos Quérétaro in Mexico.

“Grace is an exceptional athlete and person, and we are grateful for the contributions she made during her time with the Pride,” Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said in a club press release. “After discussions with Grace, we mutually agreed that this is the best step for her career and personal goals. We wish her nothing but success in her next chapter and look forward to seeing her continue to grow both on and off the field.”

 The Pride signed Chanda on May 30, 2024 to a two-year contract, but the Zambian was injured during the 2024 Olympics in France and was put on the Season Ending Injury (SEI) list with a ruptured quadriceps tendon. That delayed Chanda’s Pride debut until she came off the bench March 19, 2025, making the first of just seven appearances across all competitions with the Pride.

Chanda made made four appearances in the 2025 NWSL regular season (all off the bench) and logged a total of just 36 minutes without a goal contribution and without putting any of her three shot attempts on target. She completed 14 of her 19 passes (73.7%) but did not record a key pass or attempt a cross or a long ball on the season. Defensively, the Zambian midfielder contributed one tackle and one interception but no blocks or clearances in her limited action. She committed two fouls, did not draw any on her opponents, and she was not booked in her first four NWSL games.

The 28-year-old native of Lusaka, Zambia appeared in three matches in the Concacaf W Champions Cup (all starts) and played all 270 available minutes in those games. She did not register a goal contribution, taking seven shots and putting three on target. She completed 78 of her 100 passes (78%) without a key pass. On the defensive end, Chanda contributed 14 tackles in the tournament. She committed five fouls, drew three on her opponents, and was not booked in the competition.

What It Means for Orlando

Ultimately, this move won’t affect the club much. Chanda barely played and wasn’t especially effective when she did. This is a move that will allow the player to find a better situation where she may receive more minutes. The club, meanwhile, merely frees up a roster spot that wasn’t producing.

While the addition seemed like a good one at the time, it ultimately didn’t work out for either side.