Hope Solo has announced she will not play again this year following her six-month suspension from US Soccer, handed down last week.
The ban came as a result of the United States goalkeeper’s comments following her country’s exit from the Olympics, where she branded the Swedish team as “cowards” for their defensive tactics.
“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,” Solo said in a statement released on Tuesday.
“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 35-year-old did not play at the weekend, as Seattle Reign deemed the American international to be on “personal leave”.
Solo will be eligible for selection for the national team come Febuaray, but a question still remains whether she will still be selected for national team duty.
Her absence is sure to come as a blow to the Reign, who currently sit four points of the playoff positions.
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