Olympian Hope Solo suspended from national team for 6 months

CHICAGO (AP) — U.S. women's national team goalkeeper Hope Solo has been suspended for six months for what U.S. Soccer termed conduct "counter to the organization's principles."

The suspension is effective immediately.

U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati said Wednesday that comments Solo made after the U.S. lost to Sweden during the Rio Olympics were "unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our National Team players."

Solo called Sweden a "bunch of cowards" after the Swedes beat the U.S. 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the quarterfinals of the Olympic tournament.

Solo, who was previously suspended for 30 days early in 2015 for her conduct, will not be eligible for selection to the national team until February.