Dec. 9, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Freshman Billy Schuler's second half goal in the second round of the NCAA Tournament ended a five-game slide and turned around the Tar Heel's postseason hopes. The forward from Allentown, Pa., has contributed to the offense by creating opportunities not only for himself but his teammates and scoring four goals this season. He took time to answer a few questions from TarHeelBlue.com prior to the win over Northwestern.

TarHeelBlue.com: On the NCAA tournament leader board, you've taken more shots and put more on frame than any other Tar Heel. What are you doing to create chances?
Billy Schuler: I'm just trying to get into positions to create opportunities for myself and for my teammates. I'm also really trying to focus on shooting the ball more than I did during the regular season to become more dangerous as a forward. We really need to score in the tournament, and in order to score I need to take more shots.

THB.com: Can you describe your goal against Jacksonville. What happened?
BS: I remember Cam Brown getting the ball in the middle of the field, taking a touch and playing me in for a through ball on the left side. When I got the ball I took a touch, saw I was onside and was able to put it by the goalie.

THB.com: It was your first goal since the 3-2 double overtime loss to Clemson that began a five-game losing streak. What has the team done to turn that streak around in the tournament?
BS: The team has just found a way to win the past two games, which we weren't able to do during our losing streak. We're also really concentrating on staying focused throughout the entire game, both of our tournament games have been as hard, if not harder to win than any game we've played during the regular season, but we've just found a way to win.

THB.com: Why did you choose Carolina?
BS: One of the main reasons was that I really liked the kids on the team during my visits to Carolina. That was a big thing for me, and I also thought this was the best environment where I could excel as a soccer player.

THB.com: What has been the best part of your freshman season?
BS: I think every part of the season so far has been great, but right now is definitely the best part. Being in the NCAA Tournament is awesome, especially now that we've made it so far.

THB.com: What are your hobbies/What do you like to do in your free time?
BS: While being an athlete at Carolina I've come to treasure my free time, so whenever I get the chance I just like to chill out in my room and watch TV or catch up on my sleep. I've recently started to read in my free time, which I've found to be really relaxing. THB.com: What is your favorite movie?
BS: As of recently I would have to say Forgetting Sarah Marshall because it's hysterical. THB.com: Do you have a pregame ritual?
BS: No, but I try to emulate the things that I did before the last game that I played well in. I also try to picture myself in the game and what I would do in certain situations.