Seattle Reign are the champions of NWSL, at least in terms of media coverage. Throughout the year Seattle has dominated the storylines: Hope Solo caused a stir with comments about the Zika virus prior to the Olympics, while playing in Rochester they were forced to play on absurdly poor conditions and an extremely small pitch and, even over the last few weeks, star midfielder Megan Rapinoe’s kneeling during the USA national anthem has caused controversy.
All of these were topped by the comments, suspension and ultimate departure of goalkeeper Hope Solo. While nothing is confirmed, Hope could easily decide to retire after everything that has gone down over the past few weeks. Should Seattle move on from Hope Solo or plan to have her back next season?
In the short term the Reign are fortunate to have likely the league’s best backup keeper, Haley Kopmeyer. They have signed young Andi Tostanoski as the backup for the year who got game time during Hope’s training camp stint for the Olympics. Additionally, the Seattle defense posted a five-game streak without being scored on earlier this year. Behind that defensive line Kopmeyer and the Reign are fine to close out the 2016 season.
If Solo decides to retire, that opens up a big door for the Reign. The Reign would gladly take her back for the 2017 season, but need to perhap for life after her. Losing Solo would be a blow not only from a leadership perspective, but actual game changing ability. Hope kept the Reign alive this year during a massive struggle to find the back on the net.
The Reign would likely stay with Kopmeyer as the number one keeper for 2017. She is experienced in the league and well regarding at the club. Her backup would be up in the air, Tostanoski is young, but not a given at this level yet. Just last week Seattle’s captain Keelin Winters announced her retirement.
After the United State’s loss in the Olympics Hope Solo had strong comments for the opponent, Sweden, calling them “cowards”. Was that the best word to use? No. Was it the best timing, while the Olympics were still going on? No. However, I think the underlying sentiment is one that many soccer fans feel about not only Sweden that day, but defensive teams in general.
For some fans winning is winning, regardless of how it is done. While others would prefer their team to playing attractive, attacking football first and foremost. Were Sweden cowards? No. They weren’t exciting or an Olympic inspirational story. They were pragmatic, defensive, and won.
Following Hope’s comments the US Soccer Federation suspended her for six months without pay. This was not a one for one correlation. US Soccer was punishing Hope for all the infractions she accumulated over the years, and because they feel like they can move on without her now. It isn’t lost on most that if the face of the team (now) Alex Morgan said those comments, she wouldn’t have been suspended or removed.
Regardless of the future of the USWNT, Hope was still eligible to play in the NWSL but elected to take a leave of absence from the Seattle Reign.
Hope Solo has been granted personal leave and will be unavailable for today's match. Andi Tostanoski has been signed as a GK replacement.
— Seattle Reign FC (@SeattleReignFC) August 27, 2016
Hope has appeared for the Reign 37 times and along with Megan Rapinoe, been the central part of rebuilding the club over the past few years. The club finished in 7th place in 2013 and failed to qualify for the playoffs. Once Hope was on-board for a full season the club finished atop the NWSL table in 2014 and 2015, falling in the playoff final both years.
There is no arguing that Solo is the best goalkeeper in the world for the women’s game. She is the best in the NWSL and one of the league’s biggest and most important players. She helped add credibility to the league, stabilized the Seattle Reign and has dominated the net in the last two and half years in goal.
For now the Seattle Reign have to focus on climbing into the playoff spots. Then this offseason brings the big questions. Will Hope Solo return? If not, who do the Reign sign to replace their star?
