Ellis: Solo's suspension based on 'sum total of actions'
- by Paul Kennedy @pkedit, Sep 6, 2016
Ellis' comments came in an interview with USSoccer.com.
"Over time there’s been off-the-field distractions for which the federation has taken action," Ellis is when asked what went into the decision. "Each time an 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, how Hope handled her post-Olympic comments forced us to make a significant decision. It’s not simply a decision made about comments, it was based on the sum total of actions that have unfortunately shone a negative light on our program."
Ellis wouldn't say if Solo might come back after her suspension ends in February, but she did say the plan was to get playing time for other keepers.
"After the Olympics," Ellis said. "the plan was always to prepare for 2019 and that means investing in the other goalkeepers and getting them playing time. That’s still the process and it’s the same for every position. Everything right now is building towards 2019 and our future."
With time to reflect, Ellis talked about the USA's quarterfinal exit in a shootout to Sweden at the Rio Olympics.
She said big strides had been made in how the USA plays and attacks organized opponents but "conversion rate" needed to be improved.
With a veteran team -- 13 of the 18 players on the Olympic roster will be 30 in 2019 -- Ellis said one of the goals of the Olympics was to invest "in players that we think will be on that stage in 2019," in reference to the next Women's World Cup in France.
She said the September friendlies will feature players from the Olympic roster. After that, everything will be done with 2019 in mind.
The USA's next official competition won't be until 2018 when Concacaf qualifying will be held.
4 comments about "Ellis: Solo's suspension based on 'sum total of actions'".
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While I am still skeptical. This should have been the "original" line/excuse/justification for the actions taken. Instead it came out as Gulati saying, ....You mess with or challenge me and this is what you get. Poor handling would be an understatement.
If this is a sum total of Solo's sins; why now the punitive action and not before. Enabling is unprofessional.
I w, I agree completely with you. Now let's look at what the USOC did/mete out to R. Lochte, the swimmer, in this case the "crime" most certainly fits the punishment.
Whole thing has not been handled well. To me, bottom line is her play has been below expectations. She got lit up by Columbia and her antics in the Sweden shoot out were childish, not to mention ineffective. US WNT needed to get serious about developing the next gen keepers anyway.