USWNT ratings vs. Sweden: Rapinoe, Smith, Morgan struggle - ESPN

MELBOURNE, Australia — The U.S. women's national team's run as Women's World Cup champion is over. The Americans fell to Sweden in the round of 16 via a penalty shootout, losing 5-4 after extra time finished goalless.

The loss marks the U.S. team's earliest exit from a Women's World Cup in its history.

This was a match the U.S. could have and should have won several times over, only to be denied by the brilliance of Sweden keeper Zecira Musovic and its own inability to convert under pressure in the shootout when one more kick would have won it. Sophia Smith had a chance to win it, but missed her target with her attempt. There was doubt as to whether U.S. keeper Alyssa Naeher kept out Lina Hurtig's attempt, but the VAR ruled that the shot crept over the line.

The irony is that the U.S. delivered its sharpest performance of the tournament, dominating possession and creating the best chances. Lindsey Horan came closest to scoring, hitting the bar in the first half and forcing a fine save from Musovic in the second. Musovic was the Player of the Game, making 11 saves and helping Sweden withstand some withering U.S. pressure. Now she walks away as the hero as Sweden moves on.

Here's how the individual U.S. performances stacked up.

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Vlatko Andonovski, 8 — Andonovski largely stuck to his guns in terms of starting XI, making just two changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Portugal. Emily Sonnett was brought in for the suspended Rose Lavelle, while Trinity Rodman replaced Lynn Williams on the right flank. Sonnett was deployed in a double pivot alongside Andi Sullivan. The move carried with it some risk. Sonnett has