US goalkeeper kicked off national team for calling Swedes cowards

USA women's goalkeeper Hope Solo has been suspended after calling the Swedes "a bunch of cowards", US Soccer announced on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old Solo made the comments after the Americans were eliminated in a penalty shootout from the Rio Olympics women's football tournament on August 12th.

US goalkeeper Hope Solo. Photo: Eugenio Savio/AP

"Unacceptable conduct"

"The comments by Hope Solo after the match against Sweden during the 2016 Olympics were unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our National Team players," US Soccer president Sunil Gulati said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Beyond the athletic arena, and beyond the results, the Olympics celebrate and represent the ideals of fair play and respect. We expect all of our representatives to honor those principles, with no exceptions."

Not backing down

Solo wasn't backing down Wednesday and defended her "coward" comments by saying the six-month suspension wasn't warranted.

"I am saddened by the federation's decision to terminate my contract," Solo told Sports Illustrated. "I could not be the player I am without being the person I am, even when I haven't made the best choices or said the right things."

Solo said she plays and speaks with passion and is trying to be an example for future US female players.

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