Deb Abiodun’s contract extended, US to host first Women’s Club World Cup, and more: Friday Freedom Kicks
Happy Friday! I have had a very busy week and am looking forward to the weekend and then just one more work week before a vacation!
Washington Spirit and Midfielder Deborah Abiodun Agree to New Contract (Washington Spirit)
Deb Abiodun has signed a new two-year contract (that is really more of a one-year extension of her old contract, but oh, well). Though she’s been injured much of this season, Deb is an excellent ball-winner and an asset in midfield. Seems like a smart business decision to me.
U.S. to host inaugural 2028 Women’s Club World Cup (ESPN)
The tournament is scheduled for January 2028, which means we could probably predict host cities right now. FIFA also announced that prize money will total $2.5 million, the same amount they paid for the men’s version. Pretty cool!
Haiti moves home leg of Concacaf Nations League match against USMNT to Miami (SSFC)
Because of unsafe conditions in Haiti, the country’s federation has been given permission to play upcoming “home” matches to opponent’s countries, including a Nov. 14 game against the USMNT.
Now, allow me to present the cutest photo you’ve ever seen of a Washington Spirit goalkeeper and her twin sister:
Philadelphia Union’s Cavan Sullivan fined by MLS Disciplinary Committee (MLS)
Cavan fined for flopping! Plus several other players facing disciplinary fines. Sharing for the drama.
USMNT’s Adams uses face to draw red, but Europa League showdown vs. Pulisic doesn’t materialize (The Athletic $)
Leave Tyler Adams’s face alone!!
And send Naomi Girma home, while you’re at it!
For some Friday fun, here’s Kye Rowles and Brandon Servania playing golf together for a good cause:
Finally, here’s your match schedule for the weekend: three home games, plus the Spirit away and fighting to stay in the NWSL Shield race.
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loudoun United vs. Brooklyn FC | Sat., Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. | Leesburg, VA | ESPN+ |
| D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati | Sat., Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. | Washington, DC | Apple TV |
| DC Power vs. Dallas Trinity | Sun., Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. | Washington, DC | Peacock |
| Washington Spirit vs. KC Current | Sun., Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. | Kansas City, MO | ESPN |
Have a good weekend!
The Asian Football Confederation with a u-turn on Infantino. They will now support him in his bid for re-election.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7716521/2026/10/23/asian-football-confederation-gianni-infantino-re-election-fifa-president/
I wonder what Infantino gave the senior people in the Confederation to win their support?
Cash is king
Oh where are you going for vacay?! Also, I had no idea Kingbury has a twin sister AND she also had a baby roughly around the same time?!
I’m willing to bet the final of the W Club World Cup will be in Miami…
Where does Abiodun normally play? Is she a defensive mid?
She’s pretty flexible
I’d say she’s primarily a central holding midfielder with great mobility and underrated dynamism in ball carrying and distribution.
She’s also quite competent at RB, and maybe could even gap LB do to her technical soundness and recovery.
Had some real issues with injuries, but a great squad player, particularly when you want someone the opposition doesn’t want to run past on the bench
I didn’t know how she fit in the roster. That would be useful for Spirit when she gets back to the field. Hoping to hear what happens to Hershfelt soon.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/50250410/nwsl-remove-restrictions-high-impact-player-rule
NWSL is changing the HIP rule. Less restrictive. Hope this helps Spirit bring in even more talent.
So in tomorrow’s must win match at home against Cincy in this home-and-home series is anything different from Wednesday night?
Homefield advantage, theoretically. Cincinnati has only won twice on the road (like DC). But United has not exactly made Buzzard Point a fortress.