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.
Just days after a stunning upset knocked the team from World Cup contention for the first time in decades, Arena said he's leaving the role: "We didn't get the job done, and I accept responsibility."
U.S. Soccer is likely to lose out on tens of millions in revenue, and more dual-nationals may choose to play elsewhere. Fox Sports' $425-million payout to air the next two World Cups looks rough, too.
The players' union and U.S. Soccer announced the collective bargaining agreement Wednesday, ending protracted and sometimes bitter negotiations over wages. The deal runs through 2021.
For the first time in decades, the struggling U.S. team may not qualify for next year's World Cup. But the return of Bruce Arena, who led the team to two World Cups, brings hopes of a turnaround.
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.
The federal ruling removes the possibility that the American women might refuse to play in this summer's Rio Olympics as part of the maneuvering over their union contract.