Solo Saga Quieted, Women's Soccer Eyes Beijing

After US goalie's outburst, team rethinks the need for unity

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 26, 2008 12:22 PM CDT

(Newser) – Hope Solo's infamous criticism of her coach got her booted from practice and competition at the end of last year's World Cup, and depression almost kept the 26-year-old from returning to soccer at all. But now the US team has a new coach, a rejuvenated Solo, and a fresh plan for winning in Beijing, Sports Illustrated reports.

Pia Sundhage's approach eschews both the old kick-and-run strategy and the belief that a team must be close off the pitch to be successful on it. "You don't have to like each other, but once you cross that line, if you can like each other for at least 90 minutes, then I think you can be successful," explains forward Abby Wambach. But for her part, Solo has found "Time has really been the great healer. I'm genuinely enjoying my teammates again, which I never thought was possible."

Goal keeper Briana Scurry started when U.S. played Norway for third place in the consolation match of the FIFA 2007 Women's World Cup, after Hope Solo was booted for dissent. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

United States midfielder Carli Lloyd, right, talks to goal keeper Hope Solo after the United States lost 4-0 to Brazil in a semifinal match of the FIFA 2007 Women's World Cup. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

In this May 6, 2008 file photo, goalkeeper Hope Solo reaches for the ball during US Women's National soccer team practice in Washington. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson, File)

United States women's national soccer team goal keeper Hope Solo passes the ball during warm-ups at the start of practice Friday, Sept. 21, 2007 in Tianjin, China. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

United States women's national team goal keeper Hope Solo sits on the bench before the start of the game against Brazil in the semifinal match of the FIFA 2007 Women's World Cup. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

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Solo Saga Quieted, Women's Soccer Eyes Beijing

After US goalie's outburst, team rethinks the need for unity

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Solo Saga Quieted, Women's Soccer Eyes Beijing

After US goalie's outburst, team rethinks the need for unity

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

soccer • 2008 Beijing Olympics • Abby Wambach • Women's World Cup • US women's soccer • Hope Solo • FIFA

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

US Women's Soccer Season Canceled

WPS suspends play while it battles a team owner in court

FIFA: World Cup Must Have Beer

Brazilians not allowed to ban booze, soccer chief says

Face It, the US Choked

'It wasn’t a lack of skill. It was a lack of nerve,' Brian Straus argues

During World Cup, a Twitter Record

Japan's victory over the US hit 7,196 tweets per second

Japan Soccer Champs: Take That, Tsunami

'Desire, hope' boosted team over US

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?