Solo decides to end her season with NWSL's Seattle Reign
Goalkeeper Hope Solo has decided to end her season with the Seattle Reign of the National Women's Soccer League.
The beleaguered goalkeeper, who was handed a six-month suspension and saw her contract with U.S. Soccer terminated last week, announced her departure from her professional club team in a statement Tuesday.
U.S. Soccer suspended Solo following disparaging comments she made about Sweden during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, calling her opponents a "bunch of cowards" for their defensive style of play during the quarterfinals.
"Hope has always wanted what is best for our team — she is a relentless trainer, a fierce competitor and demands from herself nothing less than excellence on the pitch," Harvey said.
Solo had caused a stir in Brazil even before the comment about Sweden because of social media posts over the Zika virus, showing her wearing mosquito netting and armed with insect repellant.
There were other incidents as well, including Twitter comments she made about former U.S. player Brandi Chastain during the London Games, and public criticism of coach Paul Ryan during the 2007 World Cup over his decision to start Briana Scurry in the semifinals, a match the Americans lost.