USWNT coach Jill Ellis speaks out on Hope Solo termination

USWNT head coach Jill Ellis says the termination of Hope Solo's contract was the sum of total action that shed a negative light on the team.

U.S. women's national team head coach Jill Ellis spoke out on the termination of Hope Solo's contract for the first time on Tuesday afternoon, according to SI's Grant Wahl.

“Over time there's been off-the-field distractions, and the federation has taken action,” Ellis' statement read. “Each time action has been taken, there's been made clear an expectation that this would be the last time such a step would be necessary. Sadly, Hope's postgame comments forced us to make a significant decision. It wasn't a decision just made about comments. It was a sum total of actions that have unfortunately shown a negative light on our program.”

The decision was made following Solo’s comments at the Olympics when she called the Swedish players “cowards” for their defensive style in eliminating the U.S. in the quarterfinals. Solo did not apologize for her comments.

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In her 202 appearances for the USWNT, Solo has won one World Cup title and two Olympic gold medals and collected 102 clean sheets.

Solo has also opted not to play for the Seattle Reign, her NWSL club, for the remainder of the year.