U.S. Soccer releases shortlist of candidates for president

The United States Soccer Federation confirmed the names of the eight candidates vying to be its new president, with Hope Solo among the most notable on the shortlist.

Solo is joined by former U.S. internationals Paul Caligiuri, Kyle Martino, and Eric Wynalda, current U.S. Soccer vice president Carlos Cordeiro, Soccer United Marketing president Kathy Carter, and lawyers Steve Gans and Michael Winograd.

Sunil Gulati, who ran unopposed in the last three elections, did not seek a fourth term following the United States' failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

The election for Gulati's successor will take place Feb. 10 in Orlando, Fla.

All eight candidates had to submit at least three letters of recommendation and complete a background check. Paul LaPointe, an administrator with the United Premier Soccer League, was unable to complete the process.

Solo is arguably the most popular candidate in the race. As a winner of two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup title, she's considered the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the United States women's program.

Another high-profile personality is Martino, who received glittering letters of recommendation from Thierry Henry and David Beckham. The 36-year-old left his position as an analyst on NBC Sports to pursue the federation presidency.