Solo takes indefinite leave from NWSL team

Hope Solo took an indefinite leave from the Seattle Reign of the National Women’s Soccer League, less than a week after being suspended for six months by the U.S. national team for disparaging remarks about Sweden.

The move was announced Saturday by the Reign, saying that the Olympic goaltender has been granted personal leave. The team did not say how long Solo would be away.

It’s been a rough time for the record-breaking goalkeeper.

Wednesday, she was suspended after calling the Swedes “cowards” for their defensive style of play after the U.S. was ousted by Sweden in the quarterfinals of the Rio Games. Solo issued a statement on her social media following her suspension.

“My entire career, I have only wanted the best for this team, for the players and the women’s game, and I will continue to pursue these causes with the same unrelenting passion with which I play the game,” she said.

The three-time defending champion U.S. women were handed their earliest-ever exit from the Olympics Aug. 12 when Sweden advanced, 4-3, on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw.

Sweden’s coach, Pia Sundhage, who led the U.S. team to gold medals in Beijing and London, replied to Solo’s postgame comment by stating: “It’s OK to be a coward if you win.”

Sweden went on to earn silver after losing to play in the gold-medal match against Germany.