Soccer

USWNT’s Sophia Smith ‘heartbroken’ after World Cup penalty kick miss

By
Social Links for Belle Fraser
Published Aug. 10, 2023, 7:47 p.m. ET

Sophia Smith has taken time to process the loss.

The U.S. Women’s National Team star posted on Instagram on Wednesday following her group’s early exit from the World Cup on Sunday.

The team fell in a devastating Round of 16 match against Sweden, losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout.

Smith, 23, had a chance to punch the USWNT’s ticket to the next round, but her penalty shot hit the right post and stayed out of the net, giving Sweden life to secure the win. 

“Heartbroken. this World Cup was filled with just about every emotion possible, what I’ve learned is more valuable than any experience I’ve ever had,” Smith wrote in the caption of her photo. 

“Thank you to those who believed and supported us throughout the tournament, and most importantly to those who still do and never stopped. it wouldn’t be life without moments like this, and I know without a doubt we will be back and hungrier than ever.”

USA's forward #11 Sophia Smith reacts after failing to score in the penalty shoot-out.
USA forward Sophia Smith reacts after failing to score in the penalty shootout. AFP via Getty Images

The forward was one of 14 players making their World Cup debut this year, and despite the ending, she had a strong showing in her first tournament. 

Smith netted two goals and tacked on an assist in her squad’s opening 3-0 win over Vietnam, becoming the youngest USWNT player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match since Cat Whitehall did so in 2003. 

Team USA console Sophia Smith and each other after their loss to Sweden.
Team USA console Sophia Smith and each other after their loss to Sweden. Chris Putnam/Shutterstock

The Stanford University product won the National Women’s Soccer League MVP with the Portland Thorns in 2022 and continued her productive play this year with 10 goals in 13 matches leading up to the World Cup. 

Smith got a taste of the pressure and high stakes that come with the international stage and will likely be a core piece of the USWNT in 2027 that will be out for redemption. 

Megan Rapinoe, who played in her final World Cup after announcing her retirement plans, said the USWNT is in “special hands” as it goes forward.

Sophia Smith of USA misses her team's fifth penalty in the penalty shoot out during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Sweden and USA at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 06, 2023
Sophia Smith misses her team’s fifth penalty in the penalty shootout during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 match between Sweden and the U.S. Getty Images
Sophia Smith (C) of USA is consoled by Lindsey Horan (L) after the team's defeat.
Sophia Smith is consoled by Lindsey Horan after the team’s defeat. Getty Images

Smith had previously noted the pressures of playing for the team and what that means as a young star.

“Being on this team, it just comes with a big target on your back,” Smith told reporters last month.

“It comes with pressure, it comes with a big platform. We all know this is nothing new, even the players who haven’t played in the World Cup. We know that. The veterans make sure we know that.”