Hope Solo is gearing up for a thrilling comeback to competitive soccer after a lengthy hiatus since 2016. The former star goalkeeper for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) will take the field again, leading her own team, Solo FC, in The Soccer Tournament (TST). This exhilarating event, scheduled to unfold from June 4-9 in Cary, North Carolina, offers a staggering winner-takes-all prize of $1 million—a compelling incentive that has captured the attention of soccer fans everywhere.
In her own words, Solo expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am incredibly excited not only to enter Solo FC in The Soccer Tournament but also to make my comeback to the field at one of the most thrilling events in soccer today.” Her passion is palpable, as she praises TST for its commitment to advancing women’s soccer: “TST has done some fantastic work to advance the game for women, and I’m proud to be involved.” With her fierce competitive spirit intact, she can hardly contain her excitement about unveiling her team, which she believes will secure the coveted grand prize.
For those who may have lost track, Solo’s last competitive match took place in 2016. This was a pivotal time in her career, following the termination of her contract with the USWNT after the Olympic Games that year. Despite the challenges, Solo has remained a towering figure in women’s soccer. Her accolades are impressive: she boasts over 200 international appearances, two Olympic gold medals, and a championship win with the U.S. team at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Additionally, she has been recognized as the tournament’s best goalkeeper multiple times, earning the Golden Glove award in both 2011 and 2015, and she proudly joined the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2022.
What makes TST particularly exciting is its unique “Elam Ending” format, which sets it apart from typical soccer tournaments. In this format, teams are not bound by a clock but instead must reach a predetermined target score, encouraging a more dynamic and dramatic game.
Hope Solo isn’t the only former USWNT legend making waves in the tournament. Another team, U.S. Women, boasts impressive talent with players like Carli Lloyd, Ali Krieger, and Heather O’Reilly strapping on their cleats to compete at this high-stakes event.
Jon Mugar, the founder and CEO of TST, underscored the significance of Solo’s participation, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome one of the greatest women’s soccer players of all time to Cary. Seeing Hope return to the field will excite fans and enhance the thrill of TST.” This sentiment resonates deeply with fans, who have followed Solo’s career and resilience over the years, eagerly anticipating her return to the pitch.
With her unyielding spirit and an intense desire to compete, this event symbolizes much more than just a tournament for Solo—it marks a profound comeback and an opportunity to advocate for the continued growth and recognition of women in sports. As fans gear up for this exciting event, they’ll be watching closely to see how Solo and her team fare—hungry not just for victory, but to showcase the incredible talent and determination that women’s soccer embodies.
