Sky Blue FC player Elizabeth Eddy Finds her Place with Vittsjö GIK in Sweden at Left Back
By: Emily Mendes
SkyBlueFC.com
After appearing in five of Sky Blue’s six matches during the Challenge Cup, Elizabeth Eddy was loaned to Vittsjö GIK of the Swedish Damallsvenskan. The two clubs reached an agreement back in August, allowing Eddy to play with Vittsjö GIK through the end of November. In just four months, Eddy has undoubtedly left her mark on one of Europe’s top women’s football divisions.
Eddy’s debut on August 16 marked the start of Vittsjö GIK’s nine-match unbeaten
streak in league play. She entered the match in the second half at outside back, an unfamiliar position for Eddy. Despite playing midfield and forward most of her career, Eddy quickly adapted to her new left back role and was instrumental in the team’s mid-season undefeated run.
“Outside back has been so much fun to play the past four months, and I can’t wait to keep developing in this new role,” said Eddy.
Eddy started all but one match for Vittsjö GIK after her first appearance on August 16. While most of her minutes came from the left back spot, she also saw time further up the field at left midfield and right forward. Eddy scored two goals and played a total of 872 minutes during the season.
As Eddy prepares to return to the U.S., she looks back on her overseas debut.
“Playing on loan in Sweden has been one of the best experiences of my life,” said Eddy. “I’m deeply grateful to Sky Blue and Vittsjö for working out this loan agreement. The soccer here is great, and the people are even better. Life is all about growing, and I’ve done so much of that as a person and player.”
Vittsjö GIK’s final match took place on Sunday, November 15, as they battled to a 3-1 loss against league title winner Göteborg FC. The club finished the season at fifth place in the Damallsvenskan with 35 points and a 9-4-9 record. Looking ahead, Eddy hopes to bring the lessons learned in Sweden back to Sky Blue FC as the team awaits the 2021 NWSL season.