Solo won't play for rest of NWSL season as she deals with U.S. ban
Hope Solo will not take the pitch again in 2016, as the embattled goalkeeper announced Tuesday that she won't be returning to her club team for the remainder of the season.
Solo, 35, was suspended for six months by U.S. Soccer last week, with her contract with the women's national team also being terminated for her comments directed at Sweden during the Rio Olympics. The shot-stopper infamously called the Swedes "cowards" after the top-ranked U.S. was defeated in the quarter-finals on penalties.
Related: U.S. Soccer suspends Solo 6 months, terminates contract for 'cowards' comment
Solo, one of the stalwarts of the powerhouse American program, was granted a personal leave from her club team, the Seattle Reign of the NWSL, in the aftermath of her international ban.
However, the controversial star will now be stepping away from the club for the remainder of the campaign, as she deals with U.S. Soccer's attempt to push her out of the fold.
"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 wrote on Twitter. "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 announcement came just hours after video emerged of Solo's emotional response to the news she had been suspended by U.S. Soccer.
Related - Watch: Hope Solo's emotional reaction to USWNT termination