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Hope Solo suspended for 30 days by U.S. Soccer

U.S. women's national team goalie Hope Solo has been suspended for 30 days by U.S. Soccer.
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U.S. women's national team goalie Hope Solo has been suspended for 30 days by U.S. Soccer, the organization announced Wednesday.

Solo's husband, former Seattle Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens, was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Southern California at 1:30 a.m. on Monday. Police said Solo, 33, was in the car at the time, but she was not arrested or detained.

After the suspension was announced, Solo released a statement on her Facebook page

I accept and respect the Federation’s decision, and more importantly, I apologize for disappointing my teammates, coaches and the Federation who have always supported me. I think it’s best for me to take a break, decompress from the stress of the last several months, and come back mentally and physically ready to positively contribute to the team.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Solo was held out of practice on Tuesday as it was determined if she violated any team rules.

"During our current National Team camp, Hope made a poor decision that has resulted in a negative impact on U.S. Soccer and her teammates," U.S. women's national team head coach Jill Ellis said in a statement. "We feel at this time it is best for her to step away from the team." 

Solo was charged in June with two counts of fourth-degree domestic violence assault for allegedly hitting her half-sister and 17-year-old nephew. A judge dismissed the charges last week, saying the case was "impermissibly prejudiced" by a lack of cooperation from witnesses. Solo continued to play while she faced the charges. 

The suspension will cause Solo to miss February friendlies against France and England. The USWNT, which has already qualified for the 2015 Women's World Cup, is currently in training camp in Carson, Calif. 

Solo has 159 caps with the USWNT and broke the U.S. women's record for career shutouts last September. 

- Molly Geary