The Sports Bank

Football. Soccer. Basketball. Gaming and Much More

Hope Solo Says She Will Play Again, Makes Plea to USWNT

By

Share

hope solo

About a year ago, Hope Solo saw her United States Women’s National Team contract terminated. Her National Women’s Soccer League career then dissolved as well. After Sweden upset the USWNT and ousted them much earlier than expected from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil, Solo called the Swedes cowards for parking the bus on the USA.

While it seemed excessive, perhaps even Draconian, for US Soccer to cut her over simple unsportsmanlike comments, it was actually a “make up call,” for the federation’s having gone too lenient on her for past transgressions. The Rio Olympics were the final straw that ended her career with the national team, after a long career filled with unrivaled glory on the pitch, but a ton of baggage, controversy and issues off it.

hope-solo

To hear Hope Solo tell it though, she was jettisoned for entirely different reasons.

“My contract got terminated because of my fight for equal pay with the United States Soccer Federation,” Solo is quoted by the Associated Press. “I’m not sure until the lawsuit is over, that anything will change that. In the meantime I’ve had great opportunities and great contract offers to go back overseas and play. Possibly you’ll see me overseas next year.”

While Solo and her cohorts are indeed totally in the right with their Equal Play, Equal Pay Movement, hearing Hope Solo claim that it was the specific grounds for her dismissal is laughable. It’s almost reminiscent of when Homer Simpson was held in a detention at Itchy & Scratchy Land for kicking a person in a giant mouse costume in the butt, and explains himself thusly:

“but Marge I was a political prisoner.”

hope-solo

If Solo’s claims had any credence, then US Soccer would have sanctioned the other team members fighting with her for the very noble cause. Obviously, they have not. Solo says her career is far from over though, at age 36.

“Let’s be clear, a goalkeeper peaks a little bit later in their career, so I feel like I have many years ahead of me if that opportunity arises,” Hope Solo is quoted by the AP.  “I’m very happy with my career should I walk away from the game today, but I’m not one to retire. I have not retired.”

Solo, who is probably the greatest goalkeeper in USWNT history and the most elite female goalkeeper alive right now, will likely have to take her pro career overseas, as the United States Soccer Federation backed NWSL doesn’t seem a likely destination. She played in Sweden and France in 2004 and 2005. Solo says she’s tip top shape and raring to go.
“I have a completely metal arm now — I’m bionic. I’m better now than I have been in the last 10 years so I’m pain free and I have more range of motion. I’m very happy with my health right now and I’m very happy with my fitness. I’m ready to get back.”
hope-solo
Solo also addressed the idea of returning to help the Stars and Stripes defend the World Cup title in France two summers from now. She is realistic about just how much of a long shot that would be.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the 2019 World Cup. I’m in the best shape of my life in terms of my shoulder. I feel great,” Solo said.
“Should they (the United States) welcome me back then I will be in the goal competing and hopefully bringing back another World Cup trophy, but it’s highly unlikely they are going to ask for me to come back. But I’m here guys.”

Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV. 

Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.