U.S. Soccer has released a video with Hope Solo talking about her shoulder rehab. On Sept. 22, Solo underwent major shoulder surgery. She reveals in the video below that “my shoulder probably would have fallen apart by the time we even go to the World Cup.” Check out the full video:
Solo’s recovery has gone well thus far. She returned to U.S. Women’s National Team camp in January in a limited, non-contact role, and she said in the video interview that she could be ready for the April 2 friendly with England in London. She also states that, barring any setbacks, it will bee four to six weeks until she is fully ready to go, which is a very tight time frame to be ready for April 2.
Regardless of whether or not Solo plays in that England friendly, the news is encouraging for a United States team that could use her leadership in net. She should be able to get re-assimilated with being in net through friendly matches in the spring leading up to the Women’s World Cup, where, if healthy, she will be the No. 1 goalkeeper for the U.S. Solo will also have the WPS season to get ready. She will play for magicJack’s Washington Freedom in 2011.
Solo will have an extra two weeks off from WPS play. She is suspended from the Freedom’s opening match against the Philadelphia Independence at Widener University on April 16 after comments made following the Atlanta Beat’s 1-0 loss to the Washington Freedom on Sept. 11, 2010. In post-game comments, Solo accused referee Kari Seitz and WPS of wanting the Freedom – which is ironically her new team – to win the game. Here is a good recap of the situation from Steve Goff.
Below the official verdict from WPS, handed down in September. The suspension will officially take place on April 16.
“The WPS Disciplinary Committee has reviewed the public statements made by Hope Solo following the match on September 11, 2010 and has suspended Solo for one WPS league game, issued a fine of $2500 and given 8 hours of community service for prejudicial statements and public criticism as covered in Section 13.1.3 of the League Operations Manual. Solo has the right to appeal the decision of a one-game suspension and community service within seven (7) days and within thirty (30) days for the fine.”
Solo is not eligible to play until the Freedom’s home opener on April 23 against the Boston Breakers.
