6-month ban for Solo over ‘cowards’ rant
Hope Solo is going to be solo for a while.
U.S. Soccer announced it has suspended the goaltender from the U.S. Women’s National Team for six months for conduct that is counter to the organization’s principles.
The suspension comes after Solo called Sweden cowards following the Americans’ elimination from the Olympics in the quarterfinal round. The Aug. 12 loss to Sweden on penalty kicks ended the U.S.’s run of three consecutive gold medal wins.
“The comments by Hope Solo after the match against Sweden during the 2016 Olympics were unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our National Team players,” U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati said. “Beyond the athletic arena, and beyond the results, the Olympics celebrate and represent the ideals of fair play and respect. We expect all of our representatives to honor those principles, with no exceptions.”
Sweden, coached by former U.S. coach Pia Sundhage, eliminated the U.S. on penalty kicks after the teams remained tied 1-1 after 120 minutes. Solo took exception to Sweden playing conservatively, which forced the U.S. to be in the rare position of chasing, not controlling, the pace of play.
“I think we played a bunch of cowards,” Solo said. “Sweden dropped off. They didn’t want to open play. They didn’t want to pass the ball. They didn’t want to play great soccer. It was a combative game, a physical game. Exactly what they wanted and exactly what their game plan was.”
Solo’s comments were not supported by teammates, who roundly criticized the outspoken goalie, including Alex Morgan, who tweeted she does not share those opinions.
This isn’t the first time Solo has stirred up controversy.
Previously, Solo was suspended for 30 days leading up to last summer’s World Cup after she and her husband, former Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens, took a joy ride in a team van. Stevens pleaded no contest to driving the van while intoxicated. Solo also was arrested in 2014 and charged with two counts of domestic violence after an incident involving her halfsister and nephew.
As a result of her most recent suspension, Solo will not be eligible for national team selection until February.
Solo, 35, leads the U.S. with 202 appearances and 192 starts in her career, reeling off a U.S. record 153 wins and 102 shutouts.
Yet, it will be Solo who is shut out for the next six months.