WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 03: Goal keeper Hope Solo #1 of USA against Mexico during the second half of an International Friendly at RFK Stadium on September 3, 2013 in Washington, DC. The United Stated defeated Mexico 7-0. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
All one can say is good on US Soccer for taking the decision to ban Hope Solo for her incredibly offensive comments calling the Swedes “cowards” after they won their match against the USA on penalties in the Rio Olympics.
This after Solo went through her own stupid little gamesmanship routine trying to psyche Lisa Dahlkvist before her penalty by changing her gloves. The midfielder did not lose her cool even after being made to wait for two minutes and was spot on with her winning penalty. The real story is how the USA despite dominating possession and shots on goal could not find a way to beat Sweden and their former coach Pia Sundhage. With Solo’s derogatory remarks vitiating the Olympic spirit, this probably one of the lowest points in US women’s football.