Schnur still on her way
Butler grad lands spot on national soccer squad
By John Enrietto
Eagle Sports Editor
Meghan Schnur, a midfielder-outside backer for 2009 Women's Professional Soccer
champion Sky Blue FC, is one step closer to playing in the World Cup and
Olympics.
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"The Olympics are a goal of any little kid who starts kicking a soccer
ball around," Schnur said. "It's been a dream of mine for years.
"This is a major step in that now that dream is right there. Now it's up
to me to follow through and get it done."
Schnur, 23, was invited to a 10-day national team camp in September at the
The U.S. won that game, 1-0, but Schnur wasn't among the 18 players on that
trip.
She returned to Los Angeles for a 10-day camp Dec. 5 to 15, when players
participated in intrasquad games and played against boys teams. Schnur was
offered the contract after that camp.
"I didn't feel like myself in that first camp," Schnur said.
"That first experience with the national team is a bit unnerving, though
no one wants to admit that.
"You're not quite sure you belong there. ... I had to prove to myself that
I did. My second camp went so much better."
Schnur was moved from midfield to outside backer during her season with Sky
Blue FC. She was part of a defensive corps that allowed only one goal in three
playoff games as Sky Blue claimed the WPS title.
She is listed as a defender on the national team's roster.
"I have so much to learn at that position, especially at the national
level," Schnur said. "Getting a feel for the game from the defensive
side, knowing when to join the attack — it's a constant learning experience,
but one I'm very much into."
Schnur was one of four Sky Blue players invited to that national team camp in
September. The WPS season ended in August.
Schnur, who will return to the WPS team next season, was the only Sky Blue FC
player to start all 23 games. The team finished 10-8-5 overall.
"This is like an all-star team for the WPS," Schnur said of the
national camps. "Once the contracts are up in July, players can be
replaced or renewed.
"The purpose of the contract is to give players a better understanding
that (national coaches) are interested in us. It provides motivation to
maintain a high level of fitness and intensity."
The women's national roster includes midfielders Shannon Boxx and Heather
O'Reilly, and forward Abby Wambach, who scored the goal against Germany in
front of 30,000 fans in October.
O'Reilly is a teammate of Schnur's with Sky Blue FC and has played 116 games
for the United States. Wambach has played 131 — most of anyone on the roster —
and Boxx 118.
"I idolized Shannon Boxx when I was a kid and now I'm on the same field
with her," Schnur said.