Soccer | Solo makes successful return

GUANGZHOU, China — Four months ago, Hope Solo was kicked off the U.S. women's national team for trashing the coach.

On Wednesday, the former University of Washington goalie was not only back on the squad, she played the entire game as the Americans routed Canada 4-0 in a warmup for Olympic qualifiers.

Solo, who made two saves, was thrilled to be playing in the Four Nation Tournament in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. But she had reservations about coming back.

"I was scared. I was frightened. I didn't know what it would be like with the team," she said. "But everyone has shown so much determination to move on."

Solo said it felt good to be back between the goal posts.

"When you get put into a game, everything just subsides. It goes away. It gets drowned out."

The goalie has also found it easier to get a fresh start because the team has a new coach. Greg Ryan's contract wasn't renewed, and the Americans hired their first foreign coach: Pia Sundhage, a Swedish star who was an assistant coach for China.

"I think Pia is incredible. She's amazing," Solo said. "Her knowledge of the game, her inspiration, her passion for the game is more than any coach I've ever played for."

Sundhage said after she took over in mid-November, she met individually with the players to discuss the controversy. She hesitated before saying whether it was difficult for the team to move on.

"I would say it's not easy but if you really want it, you can get it, and we've got the right atmosphere and that's important," she said.

Notes

• Newcastle hired Kevin Keegan as manager, then beat Stoke 4-1 in the English FA Cup.

• England coach Fabio Capello is reportedly being investigated in Italy for tax evasion, but the new coach insisted his finances are in order.