Lopez, Schmidt back from international competition in the World Cup
By Andy Matarrese
Women's soccer players Sophie Schmidt and Stephanie Lopez performed on the world stage last month at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Schmidt played midfield for Canada's team, scoring a goal in the 55th minute in the 4-0 win over Ghana on Sept. 15.
Schmidt has been playing on the Canadian National Women's team for about three years, but was still awed by the World Cup experience.
"It was phenomenal to play with some amazing players that I've heard about growing up," Schmidt said.
Eleven teams participated in this year's World Cup, each fielding its country's best players, which Schmidt said could be intimidating.
"It almost seems overwhelming," she said, but after hitting the pitch, things calmed down.
"If you're scared, they'll dominate you. You show respect, and you show that respect by playing the best you can possibly play," Schmidt said.
Canada was knocked out after the first stage of play, defeating Ghana, tying Australia and losing to Norway.
Lopez, who played left back for the U.S. team, also felt enriched by the experience. The U.S. made it to the semifinals, losing to Brazil 4-0, and defeating Norway in the consolation 4-1, earning third place for the championship Sept. 30.
"It kind of brought out the best in me," Lopez said of her performance.
Most of the time outside of matches and practice was spent recovering and preserving energy for the next match.
When the teams did get out, players mostly explored the surrounding cities they were in. The World Cup was held in sites throughout China, including Tianjin, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Chengdu and Shanghai.
The big highlight of touring China for both players was going to see a panda exhibit.
"That was really special," Lopez said.
The players spent their free time in the developed areas of China, and didn't see much of the countryside. Schmidt was not very impressed with urban China.
"It was way overpopulated," she said. According to Schmidt, the cities were smoggy, hot, humid, polluted and incredibly active.
"The city just never sleeps," she said.
Both women are veterans to the national team experience and have been playing with their national teams for five years.
Lopez and Schmidt both believe that the experience of playing with professional veterans has benefited their play.
"The older players have a lot of experience to share with the younger players, not only about soccer but about life," Lopez said. "We can all learn form each other."
She added that her teammates were great examples of the dedication it takes to play.
"One of the hardest things to do is maintain consistency," she said. "You have to give that every day ... just being willing to put your body out there for your team."
Playing with other, more experienced teammates, according to Schmidt, has shown her some of what it takes to play at the international and professional level.
"You have to enjoy what you do because that emanates in the way you play," Schmidt said.
