American Olympian Hope Solo is in trouble again, both on and off the pitch.

Solo is no stranger to the world stage, having helped lead Team USA to victory 2008 and 2012 while brining hold FIFA gold in 2015, but, on Friday, her flippant comments garnered more press than her talents on the field. The women's team found themselves embattled in a quarterfinal shootout against Sweden, and the penalty kicks did not end well for the Americans.

Coached by Pia Sundhage, former head of the US women's squad, the Swedes hung back for most of the game, playing to their strengths and waiting for a moment to strike. Their defensive strategy worked, leaving the score at 1-1 following 30 minutes of overtime. Sweden's strategy irked Solo, however, leading her to call her opponents "a bunch of cowards."

"I thought that we played a courageous game. I thought we had many opportunities on goal. I think we showed a lot of hear. We came back from a goal down. I'm very proud of this team," Solo said, according to Grant Whal, a writer for Fox Sports, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. "But I also think we played a bunch of cowards. The best team did not win today. I strongly believe that."

Solo went on to say that she does not believe Sweden will make it through the tournament. Interestingly enough, the keeper also said that America "had that style of play when Pia was our coach," during which time they did make manage to snag first place. So Sundhage's perfectly legitimate technique was okay for Team USA, but it makes the Swedish cowards?

The Rio Olympics has seen amazing displays of sportsmanship, real moments of athleticism that our children can look up to. This was not one of them.

Tags
Olympics 2016, Rio 2016, Rio Olympics, Soccer, Sports