Sounders women sign U.S. star, Northwest product Solo

| February 15, 2012 8:15 PM

RENTON, Wash. (AP) - Hope Solo has found a way to keep busy as the U.S. women's soccer team waits for its chance at Olympic gold in London.

The Seattle Sounders women's soccer club announced Tuesday it has signed Solo and forward Sydney Leroux for the 2012 season.

The Sounders are part of the W-League and affiliated with the United Soccer Leagues (USL). Seattle plays in the Western Conference of the 27-team league.

Solo, a native of Richland, Wash., who played collegiately at Washington, recently led the U.S. to the title in the CONCACAF women's qualifying tournament. She was the Golden Gloves winner at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup when the Americans reached the finals before losing to Japan.

Leroux scored five goals in one Olympic qualifying match against Guatemala.