Former U.S. national team captain and ESPN analyst Julie Foudy decried goalkeeper Hope Solo’s controversial comments on Friday following Team USA’s Olympic elimination against Sweden.
After the game, Solo called the Swedish team “a bunch of cowards,” citing their defensive-minded tactics. Her comments instantly caused controversy, and sparked a response from Sweden coach Pia Sundhage, who coached the U.S. from 2008–2012.
Foudy spoke out about Solo’s stance, as well, asked on TV for her reaction.
“I shook my head,” Foudy said. “I thought, why is that necessary? There’s a long history and tradition with our national team of respecting others when you lose, so I don’t agree with it at all.