One of the goalkeeper's aims is to change America's "pay to play" youth soccer system. She joins a crowded field of contenders for the top post after Sunil Gulati announced he wouldn't run again.
After losing to the Swedes in the Olympic quarterfinals, the longtime Team USA goalkeeper said she thought "we played a bunch of cowards." Solo was widely criticized for her criticism.
There were a number of hero narratives around Tuesday night's takedown, which gives the U.S. a place in the Women's World Cup final in Vancouver on Sunday.
The Americans had hoped for more against their trash-talking former coach, who now leads the Swedes, but Friday night's tie in Winnipeg still leaves them atop their group.
The Americans have played the Aussies 24 times — and never lost. But going into the match, there are questions swirling about players' health and further controversy about goalkeeper Hope Solo.