HARRISON, N.J. – NJ/NY Gotham FC announced Thursday that forward Evelyne Viens has been loaned to Kristianstads DFF that competes in Sweden’s top-division women’s league, Damallsvenskan.

The loan will extend through the duration of the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League season.

“We are excited for Evelyne to play in a competitive environment where she can continue to grow as a player,” Gotham FC general manager Yael Averbuch West said in a statement. “This is a great opportunity for her to earn solid playing minutes. We wish her the best of luck in Sweden and look forward to following her progress.”

Viens, 24, was selected fifth overall in the 2020 NWSL Draft after a standout career at the University of South Florida where she became the highest scorer in school history. She made her Gotham FC debut in the 2020 Challenge Cup and was loaned to Paris FC of Division 1 Feminine in France, netting 11 goals in 14 appearances.

During the 2021 NWSL regular season, Viens made 13 appearances and collected three assists. She scored the game-winning goal in the dying minutes of the match against the North Carolina Courage in the 2021 Challenge Cup that kept Gotham FC atop the East Division table.

The Canadian international’s year was highlighted by making her debut at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. She came on as a substitute in two matches en route to Canada’s first Olympic gold medal.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to play overseas and continue to develop,” Viens said. “I look forward to being back on the pitch.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.