August 31 – Controversial US goalkeeper Hope Solo has decided not to play for her club side Seattle Reign for the rest of the season saying she is not in the right mental state.
The 35-year-old was recently banned from playing for the national team for six months for describing Sweden as “a bunch of cowards” after the United States’ shock quarter-final defeat at the Olympics. The comments, made in the heat of the moment after the loss, kicked up a storm of controversy and condemnation, perhaps disproportionately to their intention.
She was referring to the ultra-defensive and negative style of play the Swedes had adopted that led to the drawn quarter final and penalty shoot-out that the US lost.
Solo said being “fired” after 17 years and playing 202 games for the US was “devastating” and will not play during Seattle’s remaining four games of the regular season.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to end my season with the Seattle Reign, an organisation I love playing for,” Solo said. “Mentally, I am not there yet.”
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