Solo blocks out boos in U.S. victory
BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil — Love her or hate her, Hope Solo’s dominance as a goalkeeper is undeniable.
Solo came up big in her historic 200th international appearance as the United States fought off France 1-0 on Saturday in an Olympic group match at Mineirao Stadium. And she did it while facing boos from Brazilian fans still riled up over her social media posts about the Zika virus.
“What’s important to me is that I played the best quality of football that I can play, and that hopefully our team makes it to the final,” Solo said. “If they [the fans] are having fun, great. I like a loud stadium. But it really doesn’t mean anything to me.”
Solo became the first goalkeeper, male or female, to reach the 200-cap mark in international play. She also became just the 11th U.S. player to reach that number of appearances.
NewJersey native Carli Lloyd’s goal finally broke through in the 64th minute against France goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi. Tobin Heath’s shot caromed off the post and while Bouhaddi struggled to recover, Lloyd tapped in the rebound for her eighth Olympic goal.
The U.S. women, winners of last year’s World Cup and ranked No. 1 in the world, are vying for their fourth straight Olympic gold medal. Along with the tournament-opening victory over New Zealand, the United States is in good position for the quarterfinals.
Solo irked some Brazilians before the games started when she posted a photo of herself decked out in mosquito netting and armed with insecticide, with the caption: “Not sharing this!!! Get your own! #zikaproof.” As a result, fans at Mineirao Stadium have booed her every time she has touched the ball.
“I’m just being myself playing soccer,” Solo said. “They can love me or hate me, I’m just going to continue doing the same things.”