US Switching Goalies

Solo Out, Scurry in for Brazil

September 26, 2007

By Nick Williams

HANGZHOU, China – UMass product Briana Scurry will start in goal in place of Hope Solo in the U.S. women’s soccer team’s match against Brazil tomorrow, according to reports from multiple media outlets.

According to the Chicago Tribune, head coach Greg Ryan called Solo into his office Tuesday night to inform the goalie – who started the first four games of the World Cup – of his decision to start Scurry against Brazil.

“Life isn't fair sometimes,” Solo told the Tribune. “Everything is obvious with hindsight, but I didn't see this coming.”

Ryan said Scurry’s quickness and athleticism would provide a better match-up against the high-octane attack of Brazil.

Scurry started for the Americans in the past three World Cups and the 1996 and 2004 Olympics, beating Brazil in the gold medal game of the 2004 games and in the semifinals of the 1999 World Cup. Scurry also beat Brazil in a June exhibition match this year – at match Solo had to miss because of her father’s death.

Scurry and the U.S. will kick off against the Brazilians Thursday (7:55 a.m. ET, ESPN), with the winner earning a date against defending champion Germany in the final in Shanghai.

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