Greg Ryan refutes Hope Solo's claims

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan women's soccer coach Greg Ryan, who coached the U.S. women's national soccer team during 2007, is refuting allegations goalkeeper Hope Solo made in her new book about Ryan shoving her during a meeting during the 2007 World Cup.

"This allegation is completely false," Ryan said in a statement released Tuesday. "I did not shove or push Hope as I've been accused in her book. I would have been terminated immediately by USA Soccer had this allegation been true. I have openly discussed the contents of the meeting and this is the first time that this accusation has been brought to light.

"Hope was disappointed that I benched her for the semifinals, but it was the right move for the team. It was discussed with team leaders, and they stood by my decision."

Solo was benched in favor of Briana Scurry before the semifinals of the 2007 World Cup, and the United States lost to Brazil 4-0. Following the match, Solo criticized Ryan publicly about the benching, which she said in her book led to her dismissal from the World Cup team.

Solo explained the situation in her new book, "SOLO, A Memoir of Hope," and explained to her teammates she was criticizing Ryan with her postgame criticism, not Scurry.

Ryan left the U.S. women's soccer team in 2007 and landed at Michigan the next season, where he has a 29-32-16 record entering his fifth season.

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Michael Rothstein | email

Reporter, WolverineNation

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• Reporter for WolverineNation
• Covers Michigan Wolverines sports
• Joined ESPN in 2011