Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - As Shannon Boxx knocked home her third goal in three appearances for the U.S. national team during Sunday's 3-1 World Cup first-round win over Sweden, it was hard to understand why she bought tickets for the event.

Boxx wasn't positive she'd be named to the team so, to be safe, she bought tickets for USA 2003 in advance. However, on August 16, April Heinrichs named her to the 20-player roster and needless to say she's earned that spot.

Though she's happy to just be in the squad, Boxx isn't content with just basking in her teammates glory. She's poised to contribute.

In fact, Boxx actually pushed team co-captain Julie Foudy out of the way to put herself in position for the finishing header. A move that much of the team noticed.

"Shannon was like, 'Get out of my way!' and that is wonderful," Heinrichs said on FIFA's web site. "Coaches sometimes profess that new players should defer to the older players and all that does is hold you back."

Heinrichs continued: "Shannon is not deferring to anyone. She is playing as an equal."

The U.S. coach noted that many have come and gone through her program and couldn't adjust to playing at the highest level of women's soccer. Boxx is certainly an exception.

"We have had around 76 players come through our program in the last three years," said Heinrichs. "A large majority of those players are nervous just in training. Shannon just continues to impress. She has confidence with the team socially and on the field."

Boxx was traded from the San Diego Spirit to the New York Power just before the 2003 WUSA season. The move shocked the former University of Notre Dame standout, but the Power knew what they were getting. New York head coach Tom Sermanni called her, "the best uncapped midfielder in the WUSA."

"I was devastated when I was traded, but I tried to look at the positives and make the best of it," Boxx said. "It's turned out to be the best thing for me."

Boxx added: "I ended up with a coach that believed in me a lot. I don't think I would be here if I didn't get traded to New York."

The midfielder's other international goals came against Costa Rica and Mexico in exhibitions earlier this month. Boxx acknowledges her amazement with the recent success, since she scored just one goal in 21 matches for New York this past season.

"I'm completely surprised," she said "I am not known as a goal-scorer. I usually set up players and let them score goals. But I am glad (the goals) are coming now. If I can score a goal and help the team, great."

As for the tickets, Boxx sold them.