With the WPS suspending operations for the 2012 season, the Seattle Sounders Women of the USL's W-League were able to sign former UW star and Richland native Hope Solo (right) to a contract Tuesday. The team also added U.S. forward Sydney Leroux.

Solo, the starting goalkeeper for the United States Women's National Team, helped lead the women to the FIFA World Cup 2011 Final in Germany and was named the Golden Glove winner of the tournament.

She was a member of the 2008 Women's U.S. Olympic Team that won a gold medal in Beijing.

"Hope is undoubtedly the best women's keeper in the game today," said Sounders general manager Amy Carnell. "Her signing represents the caliber player Sounders Women's fans can expect in 2012. As the landscape of women's soccer continues to evolve, we realize the unique opportunity before us. The addition of Hope Solo and Sydney Leroux sets the tone for what we think will be a very special year for Sounders Women's soccer."

A prolific scorer with the U.S. U-20 Women's National Team, Leroux earned her first cap as a second-half substitute against Sweden in the Four Nations Tournament in Chingqong, China, in January 2011. Leroux played four seasons for UCLA and was named to Soccer America's MVP First Team in 2010 and 2011. She was born in British Columbia.

"Sydney is the consummate goal scorer with an incredible attacking attitude," said Sounders Women head coach Michelle French.