Who will replace Hope Solo on USWNT?

Hope Solo suspended six months by U.S. Soccer

By: Laken Litman| August 25, 2016 12:02 pmFollow @LakenLitman

U.S. Soccer has terminated Hope Solos contract and suspended the record-setting goalkeeperfrom the U.S. Womens National Team for six monthsfor conduct that is counter to the organizations principles. After the U.S. lost to Sweden in the Olympic quarterfinal, she called her opponent cowards.

So if shes not eligible for national team selection until Feb. 2017,who will replace her?

Right now, coach Jill Ellis has two main options at goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher, who was Solos backup at the Olympics, and Ashlyn Harris, Solos backup at the World Cup last year and an alternate in Rio.

Neither has the experience, caps or accolades as Solo, but theyll have to step up and earn a starting job. Because what if Solos career is finished? It realisticallycould be at this point. Solo, who has been the USWNTs starting goalkeeper since 2005, is35 now, which means shell be 38 at the 2018 World Cup and 39 at the next Olympics. She had an overall disappointing performance in Brazil, even letting the ball slip between her legsagainst Colombia. Not to mentionthe other headaches shes caused U.S. Soccer.

If she doesnt return, these are the two most obvious choices:

Alyssa Naeher, 28 (caps: 7)

Naeher has been part of the USWNT for the last year, including the Rio Olympics, 2015 World Cup, and 2015 Algarve Cup. She played as a substitute for a few victory tour matches following the World Cup. She earned her first cap in a shutout victory against Argentina in 2014. She was the third string goalkeeper during the Olympics, but moved ahead of Ashlyn Harrisfor the No. 2 spot during the Olympics.

Plays professionally for the Chicago Red Stars.

Ashlyn Harris, 30 (caps: 8)

Solos backup at the 2015 World Cup, she didnt start any matches in Canada, but did during the Victory Tour. Has had several injuries hamper her college and professional career, and was demoted to alternate (third string) for the Rio Olympics behind Naeher.

She plays professionally for the Orlando Pride.

The USWNT is back on the field twice next month in a pair of friendlies against Thailand (Sept. 15) and the Netherlands (Sept. 18).

Hope Solo"s suspension means her USWNT career is probably over

Alyssa Naeher, Ashlyn Harris, Hope Solo, Jill Ellis, Rio Olympics, USWNT, World Cup, Soccer

Source: http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/08/who-will-replace-hope-solo-on-uswnt