



"It's just my opinion, and nothing else really matters, to be honest. What matters is tomorrow's game against North Korea, playing at Old Trafford. The team's excited. It's my birthday. I don't really care to answer any other questions about Brandi."


Solo railed against Chastain's commentary following the Americans' 3-0 win over Colombia on Saturday, upset over Chastain's criticisms of the team's defensive play. She tweeted that Chastain should "lay off commentating about defending" and goalkeeping "until you get more educated" and "the game has changed from a decade ago."

The outburst led to a meeting with Solo, coach Pia Sundhage and the team captains on Sunday, with the coach expressing concern about how the tweets reflected on the team's image and the need to cut out distractions and focus on the next game. The coach did not tell Solo to stop tweeting.

Solo has never been shy about expressing opinions. Her criticism of then-coach Greg Ryan got her kicked off the 2007 World Cup team. She's also been promoting a memoir that is scheduled for release two days after the Olympics.

Chastain, one of the most accomplished players in U.S. team history, has refused to be drawn into the dispute, saying Monday that she's doing her job as an "honest and objective journalist at the Olympics."

The Solo-Chastain saga has been a diversion from the buildup to a historic match. About 35,000 fans are expected Tuesday, which would be a record for a women's game at the home of Manchester United. The stadium hasn't hosted a women's match since 1989.

"You can see why they talk of all the magic inside. It's pretty amazing," midfielder Megan Rapinoe said after the players spent about 20 minutes taking photos at midfield. "Walking into the changing rooms and seeing all the trophies and legends, it's pretty cool."

The Americans won their first two games and have already clinched a berth in the next round, but they'll want a victory to sustain momentum and get a better draw in the quarterfinals.
