Hope Solo’s career with the United States’ Women’s National Team is coming to an end. The talented but oftentimes controversial American goalkeeper was given a six-month suspension by U.S. Soccer on Wednesday, and according to a press release, the suspension stemmed from “conduct that is counter to the organization’s principles.” The organization also terminated her contract, according to Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated.
US Soccer has also terminated Hope Solo's national team contract.
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) August 25, 2016
According to U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati, “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. 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.” Gulati also said that past incidents involving Solo impacted this decision.
Solo came under fire after the United States fell to Sweden in the quarterfinals of the Olympics on penalty kicks. She blasted the Swedes for playing like “cowards” and claimed that the best team did not win. Prior to heading down to Rio, Solo took a few pictures that showed her preparing for her trip by stocking up on mosquito repellent. Brazilian fans responded by chanting “ZIKA” any time she kicked the ball. Additionally, Solo was arrested for domestic violence back in 2014 for allegedly assaulting her half-sister and nephew.
While Solo is the greatest keeper in USWNT history, her future with the national team appears to be over. In addition to her suspension and the years of controversy that have followed her, Solo is getting up there in age (35) and it’s hard to see U.S. Soccer bringing her back after it terminated her contract.
Update: Solo released a statement on her suspension. While she did not apologize for anything that U.S. Soccer suspended her for, she did say that she was “saddened” by the decision to terminate her contract.
— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) August 25, 2016
