Billhardt Excited to Face His Idol in USF-Chicago Fire Friendly

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's soccer dream is becoming a reality at USF.After earning top conference freshman honors, the Berlin, Germany native gets to play against his childhood hero, Bastian Schweinsteiger, when the Bulls take on Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire at Corbett Stadium on Saturday. Action begins at 5 p.m. and fans can purchase general admission tickets to the friendly for $9 HERE "Coming to USF was the decision that was probably one of the best I ever took," Billhardt said. "Now we're here having the opportunity to play against MLS teams, against one of the best in the country, and of course, facing my idol that I followed through the years is just incredible."Billhardt first discovered soccer at the age of 5, when he turned on the TV and saw an international star in the making. Schweinsteiger made hundreds of appearances for the Bayern Munich programs from 2001-2015 before playing for Manchester United (2015-17).Prior to joining the Fire last season, Schweinsteiger played for Germany in three World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) and won it all in his last trip. The midfielder eventually became Germany's team captain also represented his country in four UEFA European Championships (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)."What he's accomplished is incredible for our nation, for our sport," Billhardt said. "I'm really excited to face him on Saturday in the match."In preparation for the showdown, USF has been practicing with the Fire all week and Monday was Billhardt's opportunity to first meet Schweinsteiger. Nervous at first, Billhardt soon enjoyed a great conversation with a superstar who has a down-to-Earth personality."He's a normal guy, like every other player. In the moment, you talk to him and it feels so normal," Billhardt said. "He's answering normal questions and asks how your preseason is going, or how has the day been? But you remember or realize what he accomplished. He won the World Cup. He's one of the greatest players that's ever been in soccer."Schweinsteiger should be proud of what his younger countryman has accomplished on the pitch as well.Billhardt was an instant hit at USF in 2017, leading the Bulls with 16 points on the way to American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year honors. The forward also was one of only two league freshmen to earn a spot on the United Soccer Coaches All-East Region Team after finishing second in The American with six assists while ranking into the top 10 with five goals."I could never dream of coming here and having such a great season," Billhardt said. "It's been going great and in the spring season we're facing these great teams. I never thought something like this would be possible."Learn more about the pro teams Billhardt and the Bulls are facing this spring HERE . Gates to Saturday's Bulls-Fire match open Saturday at 4 p.m. and students with a valid USF ID will receive free admission.The Bulls concluded the 2017 regular season with a 6-6-4 overall record and finished fifth in the American Athletic Conference with a 3-2-2 mark.Follow the men's soccer team on social media ( Twitter Instagram ) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.