After World Cup Dismissal, Hope to Fly Solo

Player banished from games; coach under fire for not playing her

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 29, 2007 6:48 PM CDT

(Newser) – The US women’s soccer team just suffered one of its worst World Cup losses, but all eyes are focused on the team’s outspoken player and embattled coach. Goalie Hope Solo was banished today after publicly criticizing the choice of veteran teammate Briana Scurry to replace her in the Brazil match. Solo has apologized, but one of her teammates still called her presence a “distraction.”

Coach Greg Ryan said an apology wasn’t enough, but the Solo brouhaha was enough to at least temporarily divert attention away from Ryan’s own troubles, the Tribune says. His initial decision to pull Solo from her post was almost universally slammed, and now, after the team’s devastating loss, the coach is fighting for his job. The team plays Norway tomorrow for third place.

[Images (5)]

[Videos (2)]

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 soccer tournament Thursday... (Associated Press)

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. The U.S. will play England in a quarterfinal... (Associated Press)

United States women's national soccer team coach Greg Ryan answers question during a press conference Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007 in Shanghai. The U.S. will play Norway for third place in the consolation... (Associated Press)

United States women's national soccer team goal keeper Briana Scurry warms up with teammates during a training session Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007 in Shanghai. Scurry will start when U.S. plays Norway for... (Associated Press)

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 soccer tournament Thursday,... (Associated Press)

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Hope solo Upset with Benching (donchino4life (YouTube))

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After World Cup Dismissal, Hope to Fly Solo