Hope Solo suspended for six months for calling Swedish players 'a bunch of cowards'



CHICAGO - U.S. national goalkeeper Hope Solo was suspended for six months by U.S. Soccer on Wednesday for her comments after the team's loss to Sweden in the Olympics.

“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," the organization said in a statement.

Solo, a University of Washington graduate, said the Swedish players were "a bunch of cowards" after the 4-3 loss.

"I think it was very cowardly," Solo said. "But they won. They’re moving on, and we’re going home."

Last month, she became the first goalkeeper – male or female – with 100 shutouts in international competition.

After the suspension became public, Solo issued this response: