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U.S. soccer star Hope Solo says SHE was the real victim in a violent altercation with her 17-year-old nephew last year ... claiming the teenager initiated the attack, not her.

Solo finally told her side of the story to Robin Roberts on "Good Morning America" -- explaining that she was struck over the head and concussed by her 6'9", 280-pound nephew.

"It was a very scary night," Solo said.

Despite her allegations, Solo was the one who was arrested that night after allegedly going on a drunken rampage. She was booked on two counts of domestic violence assault.

Hope's nephew and sister were both photographed with bloody wounds following the altercation ... and a 911 caller told officials Hope was "f**king beating people up."

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Hope's nephew told police at the time he struck Hope with a broom stick in an effort to get Hope to stop attacking her sister.

The case was eventually dropped due to lack of cooperation from the witnesses.