Top Stories

Solo questionable for Costa Rica clash

USWNT01221237636

photo by Stephen Brashear/ISIphotos.com

The U.S. women's national team cruised through the Group Stage of Olympic qualifying and now just needs a win on Friday against Costa Rica to reach the Summer Games in London.

There's one problem: Hope Solo might not play.

The U.S. team's starting goalkeeper's status for the crucial match against Costa Rica is up in the air after she was in visible pain in the Americans' 4-0 win over Mexico on Tuesday. Solo has admitted to having tightness in her right quad, which has come as a result of her putting in extra work to get back into playing shape after a two-month cameo on Dancing with the Stars.

Even if Solo cannot suit up on Friday, backup Nicole Barnhart should be more than enough to help the Americans advance against a Costa Rican team that has never scored on nor beaten the U.S. team in seven all-time meetings.

What do you think of Solo possibly missing out on the match against Costa Rica? Think the Americans will win without her should she miss the game?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Can the little boys please leave the board and leave the discussion to the adults. As a woman, here is a hint for you, making comments that a 12 year old would make when they see a naked picture for the first time is not endearing to women, it just makes you look like immature morons, who have probably never been laid.

    Reply
  2. I bet dem underwares is ripe after da game.

    I am an enlightened, progressive male who enjoys many facets of women’s soccer, including, but not limited to, the undergarments.

    Reply
  3. somone predicting that what could happen? not following you buddy

    I’m asking if anyone has heard anything about it, an explanation…that’s it.

    from your post, I see you have not. got it

    Reply
  4. I agree, I never get people who argue that a coach has to leave after a certain number of years, even if they are successful. Think about how many great coaches have lasted at one team for more than 5 years: Wooden, Lombardi, Coach K, Summit, Furgeson. The idea that a national team can only be successful with constantly switching coaches is crazy

    Reply
  5. Seriously? there is ABSOLUTELY NO reason for the USWNT to need a new coach.

    Who else is even remotely as qualified as Pia is? Its not a matter of favorites, shes giving younger players time to establish themselves and just because a player right now contributes in short amounts of playing time doesnt mean they will be successful as a full 90 min player.

    You also have to consider how much work the other teams defenses put in with having to defend AROD and Orielly who are speed demons on the flanks, and then usually double marking Abby in the middle. Having to defend those 3 player will exhaust a defense, which is EXACTLY when you need a player like Morgan who can come in and be succesful in limited minutes and take advantage of a tired defense. There is no shame in playing that roll, in fact its been pinnacle to this teams success

    And Leroux being subbed in made sense, as she scored 5 goals in the time Morgan scored 1, she had the hot hand (foot?) at the moment and she is also trying to get her accustomed to game time with this team as these were her first few caps.

    Thats called building a team built for success in the long term

    Pia knows EXACTLY what she is doing

    Reply
  6. Damn.
    Hope Solo is an impressive woman.

    I’m sorry if that offends some, but for what it’s worth if I were so inclined I would drop comments about male players like that as well.

    Reply
  7. I don’t think it’s a question of favorites but rather having a philosophy about developing younger players. Pia has also stated that Alex WILL be a starter it’s not a matter of “if” but “when”. Some folks prefer to ride the hot hand, others prefer taking a long view. I guess Pia is giving Alex time to grow into a starting player that is capable of having the kind of impact over 90+ minutes that she currently offers off the bench. I don’t think that’s favoritism, I think it’s smart coaching.

    Provided that she stays healthy and doesn’t get thrust into something too soon she has has all the assets required of becoming the next great name in US women’s football.

    Reply
  8. I saw some criticisms on that issue on another board yesterday, someone predicting this could happen. And also complaints that that Pia did not sub in Alex Morgan, who I think is great.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX5n2GN5E64

    One poster said Pia has her favorites. Pia has done a great job, already a gold medal and a Vice World Cup Champion, but she needs to go after the summer Olympics. Five years should be the max for a national team coach. I sure Bob Bradley would agree with me on that.

    Reply
  9. FIFA has ruled that a woman cannot play for a men’s league. A lower-division Mexican team tried it a few years back.

    Reply
  10. No “Comment Deleted” yet? Definitely a high class board today.

    And, why couldn’t she be a keeper in MLS? Interesting proposition for all intents and purposes.

    Reply
  11. yea, no. not voicing my sexism, cuz im not sexist.. but this would not work out well in terms of establishing our selves and reputable international league.

    Reply
  12. Some MLS team should sign Hope as a backup goal keeper. If nothing else it would be great publicity. Let her play in a few exhibition games.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Indigo Montoya Cancel reply