Hope Solo ends season with Seattle Reign after suspension from U.S. national team

SEATTLE -- Hope Solo has announced Tuesday she is ending her season with the Seattle Reign of the National Women's Soccer League, after being suspended for six months by the U.S. national team for disparaging remarks about Sweden.

Solo tweeted the following statement:

"Coming to terms with the fact I was fired from the U.S. Women's National Team after 17 years of service has been devastating. After careful consideration, I have decided to end my season with the Seattle Reign, an organization I love playing for. Mentally, I am not there yet. After watching the team's win against Portland this weekend and seeing Haley Kopmeyer playing so well in goal, I truly believe this decision is what's best for me and for the Reign organization."


The organization said they would respect Solo's decision not to return this season:

“While disappointed that Hope will not return to Reign FC this season, we understand and respect her decision,” said Reign FC head coach and GM Laura Harvey. “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.”


On Saturday, the Reign said the Olympic goaltender had been granted personal leave.

It's been a rough time for the record-breaking goalie. On Wednesday, Solo was suspended after calling the Swedes "cowards" for their defensive style of play after the U.S. lost the Aug. 12 match on penalty kicks.

Solo was previously suspended for 30 days early in 2015 for her conduct, and won't be eligible for selection to the national team until February.

Meanwhile, the Reign made their announcement hours before Saturday night's match against the Portland Thorns. Seattle signed goalkeeper Andi Tostanoski to replace Solo.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.