Juergen Schmieder wanted to play soccer at Michigan so badly that in order to fulfill University requirements, he left his semi-pro team in Germany during the middle of its season. Last spring, fourth division Jahn Regensburg finished its season without Schmieder because he had to obtain 18 credit hours at Michigan during the spring and summer terms to be eligible for the 2002 season.
- Paul Wong
- DAVID KATZ/Daily
- Paul Wong
- DAVID KATZ/Daily
Michigan junior forward Juergen Schmieder has been on a tear this season, scoring an impressive seven goals in 11 regular season matches.
“He took a lot of grief from the media (in Germany),” Michigan coach Steve Burns said of Schmieder’s decision to leave his old team. “He was a key component (for them).”
Heading into the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 2 seed Michigan has been rewarded by the 5-foot-11, 189-pound junior forward. Schmieder amassed an incredible seven goals in 11 games to close out the regular season and finished fourth on the team in points (14).
With his head, Schmieder has dominated opposing defenses in the air and helped Michigan to a 5-0-1 record in its last six games.