(Langford) Sophie Schmidt prepares to say goodbye alongside Christine Sinclair
Sophie Schmidt said she had not thought about the emotions that will surface when she puts on the Canada jersey for the last time, Tuesday in Vancouver, during a friendly soccer match against Australia.
“I hope it won’t be a big mess,” the midfielder said happily on Thursday. But it will definitely be a special occasion and I’m so grateful to be able to share this moment with [Christine Sinclair and Erin McLeod].
“It will be a special moment for me, for the team, but also for the country. I can not wait to be there. »
Schmidt, a 224-time draft pick, will join Sinclair and McLeod in the spotlight at B.C. Place. The match will mark Sinclair’s swan song on the international stage, as McLeod, who will be a spectator at 40, announced her international retirement in January. She appeared in 119 games for Canada.
The 35-year-old from Abbotsford, British Columbia, was returning from Houston, Texas, where she played for the Dash of the NWSL, when she got the call from Priestman.
Schmidt arrived at the camp with her dogs Leia and Oats.
“Luckily we were in a dog-friendly hotel,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt has long been part of the core of the Canadian soccer team.
“Sophie is one of the most genuine and real people I have ever met,” said forward Janine Beckie, who is in camp despite recovering from a knee injury. It was nice to have her back in this environment. It brings experience and calm. She is so positive. And at the same time, she is a fantastic player. »
“So to see her back on the field, for the players that are playing right now, it’s so amazing. Everyone missed his character and personality. »
Schmidt announced his intention to retire after last summer’s World Cup, while Canada Soccer was in the midst of a dispute with its players, both men and women.
“I’m angry, frustrated and heartbroken,” she said at the time.
Initially, Schmidt, who represented his teammates at the negotiating table, wanted to withdraw on a whim in February, on the eve of the SheBelieves Cup.
Schmidt, who said she was “shaken to the core” by the labor dispute, said Sinclair convinced her to stay and continue the fight.
“She talked me out of it,” said Schmidt, who hasn’t played since a 4-0 loss to Australia on July 31 at the World Cup. But she does not regret her decision to retire.
“I always had it in mind to retire after the World Cup and with how quickly things escalated with [Canada Soccer] and all that, I just pulled the trigger. It was the right decision for me personally. »
Like Sinclair, who wants to play one final season with the Portland Thorns, Schmidt is continuing his professional career.
After playing in Sweden and Germany, she has played with Houston since 2018 and has a contract valid until the end of 2024.
And even though Canada must play in the preliminary phase of the Gold Cup in Houston in February, Schmidt is not changing his mind.
“I’ll be in the stands supporting,” she said. I will be excited to be able to see them at work in my backyard. »
