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Schmidt stoked to pursue Olympic soccer berth on home soil

Sophie Schmidt says that playing in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament in Vancouver is an amazing opportunity.
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Sophie Schmidt

Sophie Schmidt says that playing in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament in Vancouver is an amazing opportunity.

And not just because of what's at stake – the top two teams in the eight-nation women's soccer tournament, which kicks off Thursday at B.C. Place Stadium, will earn a berth to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

The 23-year-old Abbotsford midfielder is also relishing the rare chance to wear the Maple Leaf in front of family and friends – the people who helped her become one of Canada's elite players.

"It's the first time, really, that I've been able to play a tournament in Canada, let alone in my back yard," Schmidt enthused during an interview Tuesday. "I'm excited about the whole thing.

"It's a good opportunity for my family and friends to come out, people who have supported me throughout the years. It's kind of cool that they can come and support me live, and that I can give back for all the years that have been put in (by others)."

On the pitch, Schmidt's squad will be looking to erase any lingering memories of a dismal performance at last summer's FIFA Women's World Cup.

The Canadians, ranked No. 6 in the world at the time, were considered a dark-horse contender to win the tournament. But they failed to advance past the group stage, losing all three games while mustering just one goal, and finished dead last in the 16-team field.

That substandard result led to the resignation of head coach Carolina Morace. She's been replaced by John Herdman, and Schmidt said the new bench boss has done a tremendous job of helping the team move past the World Cup debacle. With Herdman at the helm, Canada won gold at the Pan American Games last October.

"We're trying to embody everything he wants us to do, and just move forward, without the scars and whatnot of the World Cup," Schmidt explained.

"I think we're just focused on the excitement of what's happening now, and playing the way we've been playing under John Herdman. It's exciting, being in the moment and trying to qualify for the Olympics."

Schmidt, who made her senior national team debut back in 2005 as a 16-year-old, is already one of Canada's most accomplished players. She's suited up for two World Cups, as well as the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Her achievements in 2011 included setting a record for appearances in a season (24) with the national team. The Abbotsford Soccer Association product led the team in minutes played (1,944) and was a nominee for national player of the year.

Schmidt also played for MagicJack, a now-defunct Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) squad, and helped them reach the WPS semifinals. The star-studded side featured several iconic American national team players, including goalie Hope Solo and striker Abby Wambach.

"It was cool to learn from them," Schmidt said. "On the field, it was amazing to play alongside those players, and off the field, some fantastic personalities as well."

At the Olympic qualifier, Canada plays group matches against Haiti (Jan. 19), Cuba (Jan. 21) and Costa Rica (Jan. 23). Semifinals run Jan. 27, with the winners punching their tickets to London. Canada is favoured to earn one of those berths – they're currently No. 7 in the world, with the No. 1 United States the only team ranked higher among CONCACAF teams.

Given the tournament's proximity to her hometown, Schmidt might have her own cheering section.

"My church (King Road Mennonite Brethren) has co-ordinated a bus that's going to come out to one of the games," she noted.

"I'm not sure how many will come, but I'm hoping for a lot. It's kind of like having a 12th man on the field, when you have a big home crowd. The prospects are exciting, and I think as the tournament goes on, more people will be involved."