U.S. soccer axes Solo
U.S. women’s goalkeeper Hope Solo was suspended yesterday for six months by U.S. Soccer for disparaging comments about Sweden following the Americans’ early departure from the Rio Olympics.
It was later reported that U.S. soccer terminated her national team contract. It is unclear if the suspension will affect her status with the Seattle Reign of the NSWL, but those contracts are also paid by U.S. soccer.
Solo called the Swedes “a bunch of cowards” for focusing on defense against the three-time defending champion U.S. team. Sweden ousted the U.S. 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the quarterfinals.
U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said Solo’s comments were “unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our National Team players.”
The 35-year-old Solo, who was previously suspended for 30 days early in 2015 for her conduct, will not be eligible for selection to the national team until February. She said she was “saddened” by the decision in a statement on her Facebook page.
Revs get point in San Jose
The Revolution snapped their fourmatch MLS losing skid but couldn’t get a win, settling for a scoreless draw against the Earthquakes in San Jose to remain two points out of the last Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Even though the ’Quakes had the bulk of possession, the Revs had the most chances, with a 12-7 edge in shots. David Bingham made three saves for the hosts, while Brad Knighton made only one stop to post the shutout for the Revs (6-11-9).
Junior to miss 2 more races
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has not been cleared by doctors to return to racing and will miss at least two more races — at Michigan and Darlington — as he recovers from a concussion.
Earnhardt was evaluated by doctors at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program.
Alex Bowman, who drove for Earnhardt at New Hampshire, will return to drive the No. 88 Chevrolet at Michigan this weekend. Jeff Gordon will fill in at Darlington.
Lakers sign Ingram, Yi
The Los Angeles Lakers signed top draft pick Brandon Ingram and Chinese NBA veteran Yi Jianlian and resigned center Tarik Black.
Ingram, the No. 2 overall pick in this summer’s draft, is expected to have a deal worth more than $23 million over four years.
The 28-year-old Yi hasn’t played in the NBA since 2011-12. The former No. 6 overall draft pick by Milwaukee spent five seasons in the NBA. . . .
Free agent right wing Jiri Hudler, the 11-year NHL veteran, signed a $2 million, one-year deal with the Stars.
Misc.: Kvitova holds serve
Defending champion Petra Kvitova advanced to the quarterfinals of the Connecticut Open in New Haven, Conn., by beating Eugenie Bouchard 6-3, 6-2. Kirsten Flipkens beat Caroline Garcia 7-6 (3), 7-5 to set up a match against top-seed Agnieszka Radwanska. SecondRoberta Vinci topped Ana Konjuh 6-2, 6-2, and will face Johanna Larsson, a 7-6 (1), 6-4 winner over American Shelby Rogers. ... Gianni Meersman earned his second win in four days at the Spanish Vuelta after a sprint finish and a crash in the peloton in the final 2 kilometers of the 106.4-mile run from Viveiro to Lugo. Darwin Atapuma maintained the leader’s red jersey for a second day.