You can step away from the game, but the game never really steps away from you, they say. Well said and quite relatable especially in a game like soccer. Many players often hang up their boots just when they feel the time is right. But there comes a point when the pitch calls them again. Well, consider the same with USWNT icon Hope Solo, who is ‘100% in’ to make her surprising comeback in the beautiful game.
But before you get your hopes high, we want to clarify that Solo isn’t returning to mainstream soccer. Technically, the 43-year-old is making her way into The Soccer Tournament (TST). Those who forget, it is an annual 7v7 friendly competition that was initially launched in 2023. It features separate men’s and women’s teams, each competing for a $1 million winner-takes-all prize.
Hence, Hope Solo is entering the tournament, not by joining any existing team, but rather by creating one. Called Solo FC, it will be competing alongside other women’s teams for the prize. “Hey everybody this is Hope Solo and I’m entering Solo FC into TST this summer in June. I hope to see you there,” she revealed in a video message.
Though it has been years since the iconic goalkeeper made her way on the field, it’s something that least concerns Hope. “I’m 100% in… I’m 43, I have not trained for 10 years, I’ll get my body back…We are going to be a team filled with legends, filled with unknown heroines, and some workhorses,” admitted the former US international as per Just Women’s Sports.
Of course, what began merely as a way for the icons and other soccer fanatics to enjoy the sport on a certain level and make it interesting for fans has grown significantly in these couple of years. Courtesy of RBC Wealth Management—serving as the presenting sponsor and the official wealth management sponsor of the tournament—the 2025 edition will see an expansion from 8 to 16 teams.
This new format will provide increased opportunities for both teams and players to participate. No wonder it saw Hope Solo introducing her own team, where she’ll be acting as player-GM. So far, the World Cup winner has teased her team. She has yet to give more details about the same like squad announcements and more.
We aren’t surprised if it was the popularity of TST that lured Solo to compete in this remarkable tournament. After all, many are desperate to become a part of this project!
While Hope Solo gears up for her soccer return, USWNT skipper appeals to play in TST!
TST’s expansion announcement was shared on Instagram with a photo featuring U.S. soccer legends Ali Krieger and Heather O’Reilly. Interestingly, the post somehow grabbed the attention of Lyon star and USWNT skipper Lindsey Horan, who didn’t hesitate to tag her former national teammates and ask, “Can I play?”
It remains unclear whether Horan is hoping to team up with Krieger and O’Reilly or simply wants to join one of the newly added teams. However, with the 2025 TST scheduled to take place from June 4-9 at WakeMed Soccer Park, the 30-year-old might be open to taking a brief break during her off-season.
Notably, Horan’s comment caught the eye of O’Reilly, who responded with a playful reply: “Heehee ask Joe! Tell him I will send you back to Lyon fit and happy and with some extra cash to take him out to lunch.” She jokingly asked for a reassurance from Horan on whether she wouldn’t return to Lyon injured. After all, the midfielder is still an active professional player.
Whether Lindsey Horan gets a call from the stakeholders of TST is something that remains to be seen. But one thing is sure that excitement remains for Hope Solo and her team!
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