Skip to content

Rapinoe speaks out against Solo's Sweden jabs: 'That's not our team'

Reuters

U.S. women's national team veteran Megan Rapinoe is dismayed by Hope Solo's depiction of Sweden as a "bunch of cowards" following their stunning quarterfinal loss at Rio 2016.

The controversial goalkeeper made the comment last Friday in reference to the Swedes' defensive style of play, which they used to reach and later win on penalty kicks.

Led by former USWNT coach Pia Sundhage, Sweden stifled several U.S. attacks and held out long enough for the victory.

Related: Hope Solo calls Sweden 'cowards' after shocking upset

Solo was butchered in the press and by former U.S. captain Julie Foudy for her remarks, and now her longtime teammate Rapinoe has joined the chorus.

"I mean, really disappointed, to be honest," she told NBC's Mike Tirico, as quoted by 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.

"It's frustrating sometimes as an athlete, you're thrust into the spotlight, and you know I think this team has always done a really amazing job of understanding that we have this incredible platform, let's do something good with it. Let's be badass, let's be fierce, let's be competitive.

"But we're gracious, we're humble, and we play the game a certain way - whether we win or lose. And we've been on the winning side quite a bit and when we find ourselves on the other side we need to handle that graciously, and unfortunately that wasn't the case."

Solo admitted soon after on Twitter that she's "really bad" at losing, but her teammates and country have chosen not to stand by her side.

Star striker Alex Morgan told USA Today: "I feel like those are opinions I don't share."

Meanwhile, U.S. soccer president Sunil Gulati called Solo's behavior "highly inappropriate."

The 35-year-old shot-stopper - who recently earned praise for her 100th clean sheet with the U.S. - had already divided opinion after her alleged involvement in a domestic violence incident with her nephew in 2014.

The USWNT has stood up for better causes in the past - most notably relating to turf pitches and equal playing conditions with their male counterparts. Rapinoe and Morgan have lent their voices to the debate, which also included a lawsuit against FIFA.

They've also accused their own federation of wage discrimination.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox