By: Emily Mendes
SkyBlueFC.com
Sky Blue’s Nahomi Kawasumi, Elizabeth Eddy, Evelyne Viens, and Kaleigh Riehl all extended their loaned clubs’ unbeaten streaks this past weekend. Kawasumi and INAC Kobe Leonessa earned three points after a dominant win, while Eddy and Vittsjö GIK played to a 1-1 draw against 2nd place FC Rosengård. Viens, Riehl, and Paris FC also battled to a 1-1 tie, picking up a point over the weekend.
Kawasumi and INAC Kobe Leonessa entered the weekend at 3rd place in the Nadeshiko League. The team took on NTV Beleza, who sat just above INAC Kobe Leonessa with 25 points heading into the match. Kawasumi’s side found the back of the net early and often, scoring in the 7th, 31st, 33rd, and 42nd minutes. It remained 4-0 for the final moments of the first half and much of the second until NTV Beleza capitalized off a chance in the 73rd minute. INAC Kobe Leonessa earned a 4-1 victory and swapped spots with NTV Beleza in the standings. The club now sits in 2nd place on the table. Kawasumi was available for the match but did not make an appearance.
On Saturday, October 17, Eddy started and played the full 90 in Vittsjö GIK’s match against 2nd place Rosengård in the Swedish Damallsvenskan. After playing primarily on the left side for Vittsjö GIK this season, Eddy started at right forward over the weekend. Rosengård scored an early goal in the first minute and hung on to a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. Vittsjö GIK equalized in the 53rd minute and kept Rosengård off the scoreboard for the remainder of the match. The 1-1 draw keeps Vittsjö in 5th place in the Swedish Damallsvenskan.
After scoring a hat trick in Paris FC’s victory on October 10, Viens returned to the starting lineup this past weekend. Paris FC opened the scoring in the 13th minute and held onto a 1-0 lead until Fleury 91 tallied a goal in the 28th minute. The scoring ceased after the Fluery 91 goal. Viens was subbed out of the match in the middle of the second half, playing 69 minutes. The match ended in a 1-1 tie and dropped Paris FC down to 6th place in France’s Division 1 Feminine. Riehl was available from the bench but did not step on the pitch.
Sky Blue’s loaned players and their clubs return to action in two weeks following an international break. Viens, Riehl, and Paris FC will face off against Stade de Reims on Saturday, October 31, at 9:30 a.m. ET. Eddy and Vittsjö GIK will play 3rd place Kristianstads on Sunday, November 1, at 8:00 a.m. ET. Finally, Kawasumi and INAC Kobe Leonessa will look to continue their winning streak as they take on 4th place Cerezo Osaka Sakai on Sunday, November 1, at Midnight ET.
SBFC Abroad Tracker
| Player | Team | Last Game | Minutes Played | Next Game |
| Evelyne Viens | Paris FC | 1-1 draw vs. Fleury 91 | 69 | 10/31 vs. Stade de Reims |
| Kaleigh Riehl | Paris FC | 1-1 draw vs. Fleury 91 | – | 10/31 vs. Stade de Reims |
| Elizabeth Eddy | Vittsjö GIK | 1-1 draw vs. Rosengård | 90 | 11/1 vs. Kristianstads |
| Nahomi Kawasumi | INAC Kobe Leonessa | 4-1 win vs. NTV Beleza | – | 11/1 vs. Cerezo Osaka Sakai |