Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports.
“It’s been a honor.”
Megan Rapinoe, face stained with tears and red with emotion, took to the pitch one last time for the U.S. women’s national team on Sunday, in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Sweden.
It wasn’t how Rapinoe thought it would end, but that’s tournament soccer. The U.S. played their best match of the World Cup against Sweden, but, coming down to penalties, the United States fell to their longtime rival. It is the U.S.’ lowest ever finish in a Women’s World Cup.
Rapinoe, when Linda Hurtig’s final shot went in, immediately went to go comfort goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Then, she hugged her teammates — some she’s played with her whole national career, and others she just started playing with.
Rapinoe said the ending — losing to Sweden on penalties — was a “sick joke.”
“I f**king miss a penalty. I mean, that’s just tough,” Rapinoe said. “Great performance tonight. Really proud of the group. Thought we had great…
