ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 18: Megan Rapinoe #15 kneels during the National Anthem prior to the match between the United States and the Netherlands at Georgia Dome on September 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Megan Rapinoeprotested the national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick during U.S. Women's soccer games in September, but she will adhere to the national team's new policy that requires players to stand moving forward.
According to the Guardian's Matt Pentz, Rapinoe confirmed that while she will no longer silently protest before matches, she plans to remain outspoken against inequality in the United States.
"I don't think there's any perfect way to protest," Rapinoe said, per Pentz. "I think if there was something else being done, something else would have been said about it. I can't look back and say that I would have done this different, this different or this different.
"I can sleep at night knowing that I genuinely tried to have a really important conversation, or at least tried to open it up. I think I came to it with an open mind, an open heart and tried to get as many people to talk about it as I could."
Rapinoe added that while debates have raged on about the optics of anthem protests, she believes discussions need to start touching on the issues that sparked the pushback in the first place.
"Yes, we can talk about the form of protest, or the way it's done, or this or that," she said, per Pentz. "But it's still not really the conversation that I think we desperately need to have more of in this country."
Rapinoe—who, along with USWNT teammates Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan and Becky Sauerbrunn, filed a wage discrimination lawsuit against U.S. Soccer—also said she's been exposed to the breadth of inequality in the United States.
"The more I've been able to learn about gay rights and equal pay and gender equity and racial inequality, the more that it all intersects," she said. “You can't really pick it apart. It's all intertwined. God forbid you be a gay woman and a person of color in this country, because you'd be really f--ked."
USA vs. France Women's Soccer: Score and Reaction for 2017 SheBelieves Cup
Mar 7, 2017
French forward Eugenie Le Sommer jumps into her teammate's arms after scoring the second goal during the She Believes Cup USA vs. France match at RFK Stadium March 7, 2017 in Washington, DC. / AFP PHOTO / Brendan Smialowski (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
France handed the United States its second straight loss, shocking the Americans on their home soil with a 3-0 victory Tuesday.
The battle at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. was the final match of the SheBelieves Cup, which resulted in a first-place finish for the French. The squad earned seven points in three matches, while Germany will end in second place in a loaded field.
Team USA finished in last after winning its first match against Germany.
Pos.
Team
Points
GD
1
France
7
+4
2
Germany
4
0
3
England
3
-1
4
United States
3
-3
Camille Abily scored two goals in the win for France, which earned a 2-0 victory in the first 10 minutes and then held on for the easy road win.
While the United States had solid moments offensively, the defense was a major issue to allow easy opportunities in the box.
Caitlin Murray of Fox Sports questioned the system produced by coach Jill Ellis:
It's also possible the team missed veteran goalkeeper Hope Solo in the blowout loss.
France wasted no time getting comfortable in this game.
Eugenie Le Sommer used her speed to get past the American defense in the seventh minute, forcing goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher to foul just to avoid an opening goal. This didn't help, as Abily finished off the play with a successful penalty kick in the eighth minute.
Le Sommer was back in action just a few moments later, as a long pass from Wendie Renard led to France's second goal in as many minutes, via Fox Soccer:
The United States finally showed some energy after that, but the squad couldn't convert the quality chances in the final third. At the very least, it was able to stop the bleeding and keep the score 2-0 at halftime.
Although the home team held possession for 54 percent of the first half with more shots (7-4), it was clear France was the better team in the early going.
Crystal Dunn and Mallory Pugh provided a boost as second-half substitutes, but that didn't result in any goals. On the other hand, France had little problem adding to its own lead with one of the few chances it had in the second half.
Eve Perisset got the ball with plenty of room in the corner and found Abily over the middle for her second goal, giving her team a 3-0 lead in the 63rd minute, via Fox Soccer:
The U.S. stayed aggressive as the match continued but couldn't break through the French defense. The clean sheet remained and the home team finished the three-match tournament with just one goal scored.
Meanwhile, France allowed just a single goal en route to its first-place performance.
The next scheduled matches for the United States are April 6 and 9, both against Russia. The international friendlies will take place in different Texas cities as the squads try to gain some positive experience heading into the summer.
If the Americans don't perform better in these matches, there could be a lot of question marks about the future of the program.
Postgame Reaction
Alex Morgan wasn't on the squad in this tournament but provided a classy message after the match:
Congratulations to France for their deserving #SheBelievesCup 2017 title. Needs to be better from us. Thank you DC for the love.
However, a more noteworthy reflection came from captain Carli Lloyd.
"It's disappointing," Lloyd said of the tournament, per Steven Goff of the Washington Post. "We came in 4th. We scored 1 goal. Long gone are the days of always winning. It's not going to be easy."
This certainly won't be what fans want to hear, but hopefully the team takes it as a lesson to prepare better in the future.
USA vs. France Women's Soccer: Date, Time and Live Stream for 2017 Friendly
Mar 7, 2017
HARRISON, NJ - MARCH 04: Tobin Heath #17 of the United States passes the ball in the second half against England during the SheBelieves Cup at Red Bull Arena on March 4, 2017 in Harrison, New Jersey.England defeated the USA 1-0. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
France and USA will do battle on Tuesday in the final match of the 2017 SheBelieves Cup, with the trophy still up for grabs entering the final matchday.
Les Bleus currently lead the standings with four points, just one more than England and the hosts. England and Germany will do battle in Washington D.C. before their rivals, so while Tuesday's match only counts as a friendly, both teams will likely be putting their best foot forward.
Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming clash.
Date: Tuesday, March 7
Time: 7 p.m. ET/Midnight GMT (Wednesday)
Venue: Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington D.C.
The American team enters Tuesday's match coming off a shock 1-0 loss against England, their first defeat of 2017 and first loss on home soil since 2015.
Ellen White scored the only goal of the contest, capitalising on a defensive mistake late in the match. Here's a look at the highlights of that match, via the team's official Twitter account:
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) March 5, 2017
It was a disappointing setback, but not a loss that should be taken too harshly. While the SheBelieves Cup is quickly gaining in importance, it's still mostly a friendly tournament, giving all four teams the chance to experiment with tactics and new players in anticipation of more important outings in the near future.
The Stars and Stripes did exactly that, giving some of their less-heralded players a chance to shine. Rose Lavelle made a superb impression on her debut, for instance, winning the player of the match award.
The fans also came out in force, something Carli Lloyd acknowledged afterwards:
Jersey..you brought it last night. That may have been the coldest game I have ever played it. Loved the energy n support! Wish we won. Next!
National pride will be at stake on Tuesday in Washington D.C., however, and in all likelihood, coach Jill Ellis will give up her desire to experiment some more in favour of chasing silverware in front of the home fans.
Few teams in women's football can rival the U.S. in terms of raw talent, but France come close. Star forward Eugenie Le Sommer is one of the most dangerous scorers in the game today, and she and Camille Abily lead the way for Les Bleus in the post-Louisa Necib Cadamuro era.
The U.S. will try to answer through Alex Morgan and Christen Press, two talented forwards who have the ability to wreak havoc with their movement. France can struggle with keeping track of opponents out wide at times, and it's something the Stars and Stripes should try to take advantage of.
HARRISON, NJ - MARCH 04: Amel Majri #22 of France drives by Felicitas Rauch #29 of Germany during their match at Red Bull Arena on March 4, 2017 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
The midfield battle will also be worth keeping an eye on―unlike most teams, France have shown a willingness to engage the U.S. in the past and push for possession, rather than wait things out and counter.
If the hosts can control the ball the way Germany did in their scoreless draw with Les Bleus, it should lead to plenty of looks in front of goal, particularly from crosses. The Stars and Stripes rarely suffer back-to-back setbacks at home―expect Ellis' troops to bounce back with a win.
Final prediction: USA 2-1 France
Megan Rapinoe Says She Will Honor US Soccer Policy and Stand for National Anthem
Mar 6, 2017
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 18: Megan Rapinoe #15 kneels during the National Anthem prior to the match between the United States and the Netherlands at Georgia Dome on September 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
United States women's national team star Megan Rapinoe said she will abide by a new U.S. Soccer guideline requiring all players to stand during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" before national team matches.
Rapinoe released a statement about the policy, per espnW: "It is an honor to represent the USA and all that we stand for—to be able to pull on the red, white and blue to play a game that I love. I will respect the new bylaw the leadership at USSF has put forward. That said, I believe we should always value the use of our voice and platform to fight for equality of every kind."
On Saturday, Fox Sports' Stuart Holden brought attention to the new rule outlined by U.S. Soccer:
The policy came after Rapinoe's peaceful protests last fall.
Emulating San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the 31-year-old first knelt during the national anthem before a National Women's Soccer League match Sept. 4, 2016. A few days later, she did the same ahead of the USWNT's friendly against Thailand in Columbus, Ohio.
She explained her reasoning in an interview with American Soccer Now's John D. Halloran:
It was very intentional. It was a little nod to Kaepernick and everything that he’s standing for right now. I think it’s actually pretty disgusting the way he was treated and the way that a lot of the media has covered it and made it about something that it absolutely isn’t. We need to have a more thoughtful, two-sided conversation about racial issues in this country.
Fox Sports' Alexi Lalas, who starred for the men's national team in the 1990s, is among those behind U.S. Soccer's new policy (h/t Fox Soccer):
The women's national team returns to the pitch Tuesday night for its final match of the SheBelieves Cup, where it will face off against France.
Rapinoe was one of the more notable absences for Jill Ellis' side in the event. She has struggled since tearing her ACL in December 2015, and Ellis told ESPN's Julie Foudy Rapinoe needs to get back to full match fitness before warranting a call-up to the national team again.
United States National Soccer Teams Get New Red Nike Uniforms for 2017
Feb 15, 2017
You up? We've got something for you! 😉
Introducing our newest kit ➡️ U.S. Soccer dressed #RedToToe.
Per the U.S. Soccer news release, the men's team will don the kit for the first time March 24 "in its critical World Cup qualifying match against Honduras in San Jose, California." The women's team will break out the attire at the 2017 SheBelieves Cup, which runs March 1-7.
Thought Valentine's was over? It's never too late for a surprise. Introducing U.S. Soccer dressed #RedToToe.
Lauren Holiday Has Brain Tumor Removed: Latest Details and Comments
Oct 21, 2016
Jul 4, 2015; Vancouver, BC, CAN; United States midfielder Lauren Holiday responds to a question during a press conference after a training session for the 2015 Women's World Cup at B.C. Place. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-USA TODAY Sports
Former United States women's national team midfielder Lauren Holiday underwent surgery Oct. 20 to have a brain tumor removed.
BBC Newsbeat reported Friday she had surgery to remove the "benign growth" just one month after giving birth. John Reid of NOLA.com confirmed the surgery was successful.
Jeremy Brilliant of WTHR noted it was a "complicated procedure" to deal with the issue impacting the outer layer of the brain.
On Sunday, Glushon Sports Management released a statement regarding the news on behalf of their clients:
Holiday, who's married to New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday, received 133 caps for the senior national team before retiring after last year's World Cup triumph. She also helped the team win Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012.
She recently posted a message on social media to thank fans for their outpouring of support:
Thank you all for your continued support and especially prayers. I love you all.
Her husband announced in early September he would miss at least the start of the 2016-17 NBA season to help care for his wife and their newborn baby. He told Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune the support from the organization was terrific.
"The Pelicans have been great," Jrue Holiday said. "There wasn't any pressure to be with the team or to choose between my team and my wife. They told me to be a husband first. I don't think they know how much their support means to me and my family."
Last week, Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry echoed that stance, which he stated comes from the top with owner Tom Benson and his family, per Reid.
"We're not putting any pressure on him whatsoever on him because the top priority is his family and that's not just from us, that's from the Bensons," Gentry said. "They made that perfectly clear that family will always come first here."
Matthew Glenesk of USA Today reported Lauren Holiday gave birth to a healthy baby girl last month.
Hope Solo Says She Apologized to Swedish Captain After 'Cowards' Comment
Oct 14, 2016
FRISCO, TX - FEBRUARY 10: Goalkeeper Hope Solo of USA before a match against Costa Rica during the 2016 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying at Toyota Stadium on February 10, 2016 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
United States women's goalkeeper Hope Solo said during an appearance on a Swedish talk show that she has apologized for her comments about the Swedish women's soccer team during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Per ESPN.com news services, Solo told Skavlan what she said to team captain Lotta Schelin right after the Americans' quarterfinal loss:
I said to her, "You know, Lotta, I said something. I used the word cowards when talking about you guys, and I didn't mean that, I'm so sorry." And she was like, "Oh, I know you, don't worry about it. Don't worry about it."
And she's like, "Look, the American team has been in the last five championship games in the Olympics." Five championships! And she's like, "For us to beat a better-skilled team like Brazil and like America, we had to drop back defensively."
[...]
I wasn't enraged, I wasn't emotional, I wasn't angry.
Solo went on to say that Schelin accepted her apology, adding she "didn't even think I needed to apologize."
The U.S. was eliminated from medal contention after falling to Sweden 4-3 on penalty kicks. Immediately following the loss, Solo said the Americans "played a bunch of cowards" and that "the best team did not win today," per Andy Clayton of the New York Daily News.
During her interview with Skavlan, Solo said she "didn't mean to come across that the players were cowards or the coach was a coward. I meant that the style of play was not very Olympic-spirited."
Solo's comments caused quite a stir, leading to her being suspended by the U.S. women's soccer team for six months and having her contract with the national team terminated.
At 35 years old, Solo is one of the most decorated soccer players in U.S. history. She has won two Olympic gold medals, one FIFA world championship and is the only goalie in history to record at least 100 shutouts in international play.
USA vs. Thailand Women's Soccer: Score and Twitter Reaction for 2016 Friendly
Sep 15, 2016
Sep 15, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; USA midfielder Heather O'Reilly (9) looks on during the first half of the match against the Thailand at MAPFRE Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
In her final match for the United States women's national soccer team, midfielder Heather O'Reilly recorded a goal and an assist in the team's 9-0 win over Thailand in an international friendly from MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Striker Carli Lloyd was the woman of the match though, recording a hat trick and four assists on the night.
This was the United States' first match since its Olympic quarterfinal loss to Sweden in penalties in August, and there was one notable absence in the lineup. Goalkeeper Hope Solo is serving her six-month ban that stemmed from calling Sweden "cowards" after the loss.
Instead of the familiar face that Solo provided, manager Jill Ellis went with Ashlyn Harris in goal. Her last appearance with the national team was Aug. 16, 2015.
While Harris was looking to break into the side, another was calling it quits Thursday night, as O'Reilly retired from international play after the match.
Captaining the side in her final game, O'Reilly's 231st national team cap finished up a 15-year career that saw her win three Olympic gold medals and a Women's World Cup.
ESPN's Paul Carr broke down her stellar career heading into the match:
There was plenty of focus on the sidelines during the pregame ceremonies too, as reserve midfielder Megan Rapinoe took a knee during the United States' national anthem, via Four Four Two USA:
But the focus quickly shifted back to O'Reilly, who provided a cross 40 seconds into the match that was headed into the back of the net by Lloyd to give the United States a quick 1-0 lead.
It was O'Reilly's 55th career assist for the national team and gave the Washington Spirit of the NWSL an idea:
Can we start calling a beautiful cross a "HAO" after she retires? #ThanksHAO
In the fourth minute, Christen Press doubled the United States' lead after Tobin Heath's cross into the box was laid off by Lloyd to the scorer in front of an open net.
While the stage wasn't nearly as large, it gave Press an opportunity to move past her failed penalty that sealed the United States' fate at the Olympics.
Less than one minute later, O'Reilly got her goal, the 47th of her career, to put the U.S. up 3-0. After intercepting a pass at the back, Lloyd played provider once again by sending a low cross into the path of an onrushing O'Reilly at the center of the box with nothing but an open goal in front of her, via U.S. Soccer WNT:
O'Reilly almost scored a second in the 17th minute after receiving a cross from Press at the right of Thailand's goal, but her first-time shot attempt was scuffed and cleared off the line.
Heath made it four in the 36th minute when she beat defender Kanjanaporn Saengkoon to the right of Thailand's goal and immediately chipped goalkeeper Yada Sengyong, who could only watch as the ball struck off the crossbar and fell behind the goal line.
That was Heath's last contribution of the match as she was substituted at halftime for Rapinoe, who was met by a mixed reaction from the crowd, via Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch:
Lloyd got her second of the match in the 60th minute when a cross from O'Reilly deflected off Thailand defender Pikul Khueanpet and into the striker's path.
But it was Crystal Dunn who provided the goal of the match in the 70th minute when she sent a left-footed scorcher from the edge of the 18-yard box that narrowly grazed the right-handed post and went in.
Lloyd completed her seventh career hat trick when a scramble after two saves by Sengyong saw the ball fall right to the American, who simply poked the ball into the back of the goal in the 81st minute.
Alex Morgan rounded out the scoring with a pair of goals in the 85th and 92nd minute to cap off an impressive evening.
In the 88th minute, though, fans at MAPFRE Stadium had an opportunity to pay tribute to O'Reilly, as she was subbed out to a thunderous standing ovation.
While fans were celebrating O'Reilly and talking about Rapinoe, ESPN's Max Bretos was quick to point out the scoreboard:
Lost in Heather O'Reilly farewell & Rapinoe protest, is #USWNT should never ever be playing #Thailand .
Moving forward, the United States' friendly schedule continues Sunday when it faces the Netherlands at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
With no Solo and with the departure of O'Reilly, Ellis will continue to tweak her side to find the best possible replacements moving forward.
Washington Spirit Prevent Megan Rapinoe from Kneeling During National Anthem
Sep 7, 2016
World Cup Champion & Olympic Gold Medalist Megan Rapinoe speaks during a Glassdoor Pay Equality Roundtable, Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
United States women’s national soccer star Megan Rapinoe made headlines Sunday when she took a knee during the national anthemin support of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick before the National Women's Soccer League's Seattle Reign faced the Chicago Red Stars.
The Reign played the Washington Spirit on Wednesday at Maureen Hendricks Field, and the Spirit elected to play the anthem earlier than usual to prevent her from kneeling again. Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated shared the statement from ownership, which supported Rapinoe's right to express herself but felt the method of protest was disrespectful:
Washington Spirit prevents Megan Rapinoe taking a knee during national anthem by playing anthem ahead of schedule. pic.twitter.com/Oc54ljhFe1
When asked about the decision to play the anthem early, Rapinoe said, "It's f--king unbelievable. Saddened by it," per Steven Goff of the Washington Post(NSFW language).
Good Morning America passed along an image of Rapinoe taking a knee before Sunday’s game:
The Seattle midfielder explained to espnW’s Julie Foudy the backlash Kaepernick received when he sat and knelt during the anthem was part of her motivation: “I am disgusted with the way he has been treated and the fans and hatred he has received in all of this. It is overtly racist: 'Stay in your place, black man.' Just didn't feel right to me. We need a more substantive conversation around race relations and the way people of color are treated.”
She also said she is gay, which helped her sympathize with his feelings that his liberties aren’t always protected in the United States.
Kaepernick has sat or knelt during the national anthem throughout the preseason to protest the way people of color are treated in the United States.
He discussed the rationale behind his decision, per NFL Media's Steve Wyche: "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
Kaepernick was met with both support and criticism from inside and outside the world of sports.
President Barack Obama discussed the quarterback’s decision at the G20 economic summit in China and noted it has generated conversation about an important topic. The Associated Press shared some of his comments on its YouTube page:
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talked about Kaepernick on Wednesday, per the AP's Barry Wilner. Goodell said he doesn’t agree with the quarterback’s actions and pointed to the NFL’s belief in patriotism as a primary reason, but he acknowledged he supports players who want change in society.
Although Kaepernick lost his starting job with the 49ers to Blaine Gabbert, his jersey has become the NFL’s top seller since his act of protest, per Ahiza Garcia of CNN Money. The 49ers start their season Monday night at Levi's Stadium against the Los Angeles Rams.
As for Rapinoe, her Reign play the Spirit once again in their next game Sunday. However, that contest is in Seattle, and the team already announced it supports her decision to protest in a statement, via Sports Illustrated.
Given that support, expect the national anthem to be played at its customary time at Memorial Stadium.
Hope Solo Suspended by US Soccer: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction
Aug 24, 2016
United States goalkeeper Hope Solo takes the ball during a women's Olympic football tournament match against New Zealand at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Eugenio Savio)
The United States Soccer Federation announced on Aug. 24 it suspended goalkeeper Hope Solo from the women's national team for six months.
According to Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl, the federation also terminated her national-team contract.
TMZ reported on Tuesday that the goalkeeper was being recorded when she heard about the suspension:
"Six month suspension, no pay, terminated contract effective immediately," Solo said while hugging her husband, Jerramy Stevens (ex-NFL player).
"17 f--king years and it's over!"
Solo was being recorded for the Fullscreen documentary, "Keeping Score" -- which will air even more footage from the moment during the full episode.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_cu1hMwsgI
The punishment came after Solo described Sweden as playing like "a bunch of cowards" after the Swedes knocked the U.S. out of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, per the Los Angeles Times' Kevin Baxter.
Solo's comments irked those inside and outside of U.S. Soccer.
The Washington Post's Sally Jenkins was critical of the 35-year-old: "She's a chronically rattled and rattling soul, the American goalkeeper. Let’s face it: For every shiny marketing moment and big victory she's been a part of, she's given the U.S. a nasty unwanted drama. The victories usually smoothed over her behavior. Not this time. This time she went pure loser and lout."
"I mean really disappointed, to be honest," U.S. teammate Megan Rapinoe said of Solo in an interview with NBC Sports (via the Guardian). "That's not our team, that's not what this team has always been, that's not what this team will be in the future."
Solo is one of the greatest goalkeepers in U.S. history, but she has also been a polarizing figure because of her off-field behavior.
In 2007, she publicly questioned then-coach Greg Ryan's decision to bench her at the 2007 FIFA World Cup in favor of Briana Scurry.
In January 2015, Solo's husband, former NFL tight end Jerramy Stevens, was driving a U.S. Soccer-owned vehicle when police pulled him over on suspicion of driving under the influence. Solo was a passenger in the vehicle. U.S. Soccer consequently suspended her 30 days.
In October 2015, a Washington appeals court determined she will face charges on an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred in June 2014. According to ESPN.com's Mark Fainaru-Wada, Solo's half-sister, Teresa Obert, alleges Solo attacked her and her teenage son.
Wahl tweeted Solo's six-month suspension isn't just for her comments about Sweden but "an accumulation of things over time." Fox Sports' Ryan Rosenblatt thought that sent a mixed message:
One hand: Hope Solo’s ban is cumulative, not just for the comments.
Other hand: Isn’t that confirmation they’ve handled her poorly til now?
— Ryan Rosenblatt, World Series Champion (@RyanRosenblatt) August 25, 2016
The New York Times' Andrew Das assumes fans have seen the last of Solo in a national-team shirt:
US Soccer suspends Hope Solo for six months. Barring change of heart by Ellis, ban effectively ends her national team career.
A cynic would argue the suspension is conveniently timed for U.S. Soccer. With the Olympics over, the next major tournament is the Women's World Cup in three years, and qualification won't begin for a while. Solo will only miss international friendlies during her suspension.
ESPN's Julie Foudy reported Solo can continue to play for her club, too:
Solo is NOT suspended by NWSL as told to me by US Soccer. Interesting as Solo not a NWSL employee, only a US Soccer employee. #uswnt
Terminating Solo's contract also may come off as U.S. Soccer being somewhat excessive to bring the hammer down after failing to do so in the past.
The women's national team has already raised issues with the federation over its pay compared to what the men's national team earns. Solo's punishment may give the women's team more ammunition should it want to continue its fight with U.S. Soccer.
