World Cup Recap: USWNT Ends 2023 World Cup in Round of 16

In the United States Women’s National Team’s round of 16 match in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the team drew 0-0 with Sweden, ultimately losing 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout. Emily Sonnett was the only OL Reign player to start the match, starting in the midfield for the USWNT. Sonnett played 120 minutes before subbing off. Forward Megan Rapinoe subbed into the match in the 99th minute. Midfielder Rose Lavelle was not available for selection after receiving two yellow cards in group stage play, and defenders Alana Cook and Sofia Huerta were available for selection but did not make an appearance in the match.

The United States had a good first half – perhaps their best of the tournament. Forward Trinity Rodman had the first real chance on goal for either team, taking a strong shot 18 minutes in, but Sweden’s goalkeeper was up to the challenge and score remained 0-0. Rodman once again gave Sweden some trouble in the 27th minute, but her shot was denied.

In the 34th minute, it looked like the United States had taken lead when midfielder Lindsey Horan used her height to get on the end of a corner kick and direct the ball toward goal, but the shot hit the cross bar instead of the back of the net. After 45 minutes, the score was still level and the teams went into halftime with everything to play for.

After halftime, Horan was almost immediately getting on the end of crosses to challenge Sweden. In the 53rd minute, she connected with a cross, sending it low but once again, Zecira Musovic came up with a save.

Sweden didn’t register their first shot on target until the 85th minute, which resulted in a comfortable save from Alyssa Naeher in goal. Before full time, forward Alex Morgan forces Musivic into one more save.

Forced to go into extra time, it was the United States to find the first shot on target again. Morgan ripped a shot from a tight angle, but it was once again saved, pushed out for a corner kick this time. Before the end of extra time, Morgan found another chance on goal, as did forward Sophia Smith. As extra time was dwindling, both teams made a series of subs to prepare for what was to come.

After a scoreless extra time, the teams were forced to go into a penalty kick shootout. After seven rounds, Sweden came away with the victory by a score of 5-4.