U.S. goalie Hope Solo, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was suspended until February by U.S. Soccer after she called Sweden’s national team “a bunch of cowards” following the Americans’ Rio Olympic quarterfinal loss to the Swedes.
“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 in a press release. “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.”
Solo’s punishment, a six-month suspension, also took into account previous incidents involving the sometimes incendiary goalie. Solo was previously banned for 30 days in early 2015 due to her conduct.
“Taking into consideration the past incidents involving Hope, as well as the private conversations we’ve had requiring her to conduct herself in a manner befitting a U.S. national team member, U.S. Soccer determined this is the appropriate disciplinary action,” Gulati said in the press release.
Solo responded via social media:
— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) August 25, 2016
Solo is the U.S.’ career leader in goalie caps (202) and wins (152) and shutouts (102).
Solo, 35, has played every minute in goal for the U.S. at the last three Olympics and last two World Cups, totaling 2,790 minutes.
