Hope Solo: U.S. Star Will Steal Spotlight with Dominant Showing in Algarve Cup

Hope Solo has taken a backseat to other stars on the United States Women's soccer team since the end of last year's World Cup, but she is primed to get that spotlight back in the prestigious Algarve Cup that kicks off on Wednesday. 

She made it her mission to get back into the swing of things for this Cup following that World Cup. Her personality can rub some people the wrong way, but she has said that her life has made it possible for her to accomplish all that she has. 

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"I’ve been through a lot of things in my personal and family life. That turned me into a fighter. I always strive to be the best I possibly can. I think it’s my personality to overcome things, learn from them and become stronger, both personally and professionally. To be honest, I welcome those hardships. I don’t fear them. I face them head-on and try to become a better person.”

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After a stint on Dancing With the Stars that led to some unfair criticism about how dedicated she was to the U.S. team, Solo has had no problems getting back into the swing of things. 

The Algarve Cup is her chance for redemption. It is the first major event the U.S. has played in since losing the World Cup final to Japan, which Solo admitted she probably shouldn't have been playing in because she was in so much pain.

Her battle back to the top of the mountain has been longer than she, or anyone else, would have liked. But she has pushed through it all with that fire and passion that defines her career.

Solo got in shape by playing with the Seattle Sounders, and has found her mojo in the goalie net once again.

While other stars like Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan get their headlines for what they did in last year's World Cup, Solo is going to remind the world why she was the biggest star for the U.S. team heading into the event, and why she is the best goalie in the world.

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