Hope Solo – US goalkeeper.

On the surface the US team are ticking along nicely in the Women’s World Cup in Canada, but a growing controversy over allegations surrounding goalkeeper Hope Solo is threatening to take the gloss off the team’s performances.

The US came through unbeaten from the ‘Group of Death’, which included three teams in the top-10, and have striker Abby Wambach in top form, while Solo is anchoring an air-tight defence.

The team have also rediscovered their swagger as they are cheered along by the World Cup’s most vocal supporters and all the signs are indicating the Americans are progressing nicely as they face Colombia in Edmonton in the knockout phase.

Solo’s refusal to confront new allegations over a domestic abuse case, however, is causing unwanted headlines off the field.

US Soccer has kept Solo away from the media while far lower profile team-mates have been pushed into the spotlight even though the goalkeeper has provided some brilliant work, particularly in their opener against Australia earlier in the week.

As the Americans progress deeper into the tournament the scrutiny is sure to increase along with questions as to why Solo has been allowed to play at all despite allegations in an ESPN report that she was the aggressor in a domestic abuse incident involving her half sister and nephew.

When charges were dismissed earlier this year, US Soccer thought the controversy was put to rest but it now is threatening to become an even bigger distraction, with a politician questioning the decision to allow it to fester.