The U.S. Women’s National Team’s run in the 2023 World Cup came to an end on Sunday in the Round of 16, as the four-time champs lost in penalty kicks to Sweden.
The difference was mere millimeters, and it was an agonizing defeat for the Americans who – while playing without starter Rose Lavelle – endured their earliest exit ever from any World Cup. In the previous eight tournaments, the U.S. had at least advanced to the semifinals.
But beneath all the disappointment, there was a few bright moments in the match for the U.S. One of them was Kristie Mewis burying her penalty kick into the back of the net during the shootout with Sweden.
Back home in the U.S., Kristie’s younger sister – Sam, who played on the 2019 World Cup-winning team – was a total nervous wreck when Kristie jogged on to the field. And then Sam was absolutely overjoyed when Kristie connected on the crucial penalty kick.
Sam – who didn’t make the USWNT roster because of a knee injury – has spent the World Cup doing media. She watched the U.S.’s Round of 16 loss to Sweden live on Twitch with Roger Bennett of Men In Blazers, and the cameras captured Sam’s reaction in real time.
Sam Mewis and Rog respond to Sam's sister Kristie converting her penalty in the knockout round of the World Cup. Immeasurable levels of both joy and relief. Incredible. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/brulNIgjfK
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) August 6, 2023
What’s really wild is that Kristie Mewis was subbed on just before the penalty shootout began. It was the only time she stepped onto the pitch in this World Cup. And her first touch was a penalty kick attempt that she couldn’t have hit any better.
kristie mewis hasn’t touched a ball all world cup and goes top bins. wild
— Nate Scott (@aNateScott) August 6, 2023
I can't quite get over the fact that Kristie Mewis's only touch ever at a World Cup is going to be a made penalty in a shootout
— Seth Vertelney (@svertelney) August 6, 2023
Kristie Mewis’ penalty kick gave the U.S. a 3-2 lead in the shootout. Unfortunately, Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith and Kelley O’Hara weren’t as successful in converting theirs, and Sweden won the shootout 5-4.
If we’re lucky, perhaps we’ll get to see the Mewis sisters play together at the 2024 Olympics.
