The favorites have fallen.
The American quest for a fourth straight gold medal was thwarted after a devastating 1-1 (4-3) loss to Sweden in penalties Friday afternoon. It is the first time ever in the Olympics that Team USA failed to make the gold medal match in women’s soccer.
Stina Blackstenius put the Swedes ahead 1-0 after 60 minutes of missed opportunities and stagnant offense. The 20-year-old forward sprinted past two American defenders on a counterattack and kicked a grounder into the far corner just out of U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo’s reach.
Team USA risked playing with just three defenders to jump start the offense after allowing the goal, and it paid off. Alex Morgan scored an equalizer after a Swedish defender botched a clearance in the penalty box, setting the striker up for an easy goal in the 77th minute.
But neither team could add to the scoreboard for the remainder of regular time or in the 30 minutes of extra time. For the first time in the Americans’ Olympic history, they would head to penalties.
After Morgan was denied to open the shootout and Christen Press missed on the team’s fifth shot, Lisa Dahlkvist netted the dagger and captured the Swedes spot in the semifinals.
Though she did not notch any goals in the game, incoming UCLA freshman Mallory Pugh showed why she is one of the most touted soccer recruits in the nation. The 5-foot-4 forward orchestrated some chances early on with Morgan and was active on the offensive end before being subbed out in the 114th minute with an injury. During the penalty kicks, Pugh had an ice pack wrapped around her right ankle, which she initially hurt in the U.S.’ opening match against New Zealand.
Sweden will face the winner of Australia and Brazil in the semifinals Tuesday, while the Americans prepare for their next international friendly against Thailand on Sept. 15.